Aphrodite Nicas, nee Baracos, known as Dite, passed away suddenly March 19, 2022, in Victoria BC at the age of 92. Dite was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John Andrew Nicas. She is survived by her two children, Andrew J. Nicas of Victoria BC and Thalia I. Nicas (Louis Jungheim) of Indianapolis; her sisters Helen (Theodore, deceased) Pappas, and Nici (David) Philpot; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Andrew (Mary) and George (Gail), and sister Rita (Leonard) Glatiotis.
Dite was born and raised in Banff, Alberta, the third of the six children of Vasiliki and Constantine Baracos. The first woman in her family to pursue higher education, she studied Classics and Archeology, earning a B.A. from University of Alberta and a MA from U. C. Berkeley. In 1952 she married fellow Greek-Canadian John Nicas of Lethbridge Alberta. They lived in Ottawa, Montreal, and Brussels Belgium before retiring to Victoria in 1984. Their last home was Berwick Royal Oak, in Victoria.
Dite retained a lifelong interest in Greek history and culture, and shared her love of the arts and education. As a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women for over 50 years, she was a proponent of higher education for women, and always ready to coach and encourage young people pursuing their dreams.
Dite was known among family and friends for her gracious hospitality and sparkling intellect, and as a loyal and loving friend, and legendary hostess. She built deep and lasting friendships everywhere she and John went, and in retirement continued to travel and enjoy time with family and new friends. She was a dear friend and mentor to many nieces and nephews and their children, as well as to many who considered her as an honorary mother and sister. She is much loved and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Celebration for Dite, was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 2:00pm. A reception will follow the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below. To view service click arrow below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Vicki Love
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Bonnie Henley I will always remember Dite.
We shared a connection of Banff, Calgary, Beaconsfield, Quebec and Victoria
and The Canadian Confederation of University Women.
She was always elegant, gracious and curious when I knew her.
A woman to admire and look up to.
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Heather Ann Agnew My sincere condolences to the family. It was such a pleasure to spend time with Dite and John.
We enjoyed every moment spent with them. Dite’s wit and charm will be remembered by all who knew her.
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Monte and Brittany Zuick My condolences to the Nicas family .
So fortunate that my family as neighbors in in the early 80’s kept in touch yearly for decades .
Dite was like another mother for me in sharing heartfelt conversations.
Dite was the best in my world .
Her honesty , her words of wisdom so special .
Will miss her dearly ( always full of life and it’s joy )Sincere Monte and Miss Brittany Z.
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Helen and Costa Pappas Mom and I were profoundly touched upon hearing of Aunt Dite’s passing. We feel a void in our lives now that she is no longer with us. We fondly remember our visits over the years. Dite was a very special person, who will be greatly missed. She was always so loving, hospitable, positive, wise, supportive, altruistic, understanding, and kind; and we always felt uplifted and welcomed in her presence. She embraced family, and was truly a wonderful Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She will eternally have a special place in our hearts. Sending much Love to Thalia and Andrew.
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Belinda and Cam Nicas Dear Thalia and Andrew, we are so saddened to hear of Aunt Dite’s sudden passing. She was a beautiful person inside and outside. She always made us feel so loved and special whenever we spoke with her. We have many fond memories of our visits with Aunt Dite (going for High Tea, learning how to make her favourite Greek dishes).
With deepest sympathy,
Belinda and Cam Nicas
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Robert Dilts Such a gentle and wise person leaving an indelible impression on us. We extend our sincerest condolences to Thalia and Andrew.
Bob and Eleanor Dilts
Victoria,BC
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Paul Baracos Flor and I both loved Dite and wish we could have seen her more often since the start of covid. We both will remember her fondly.
I have many happy memories of Didi and John over the past thirty years. I will now miss Didi not being at Berwick. She was such an inspiration. I will miss her so much. Vicki Love