Sept 20th, 2023, we said goodbye to Paschalina (Lina) Vassiliadis – wife, mother, sister, grandma (YiaYia) and really the formidable force behind everything the Vassiliadis family did.
She touched everyone with her kindness, generosity and of course her wonderful Greek cooking. YiaYia lived life fully for her family. She always put her family first and even right up until her last days her most pressing concern was her family’s happiness. She was born in a small Greek village on the border of Greece and Bulgaria where she grew up working the family farm. It was here where she met Evgeni (Eugene), who had been stationed at the nearby military base.
She and Eugene were married in 1964 and they moved to Piraeus (the Port of Athens) to live with Eugene’s family. In 1974 she and Eugene packed up their two boys and they moved to Victoria, BC. With Lina’s constant encouragement and her incredible tireless work ethic, her and Eugene opened Victoria’s first souvlaki snack bar and the rest is history. Lina spent most of her working life in the kitchen of Eugene’s Greek Restaurant, feeding the people of Victoria the best Greek food they have ever tasted.
Lina is survived by her husband Eugene, their two sons Terry (Lisa) and Lee (Kelly) and three grandsons Evan, Alex and Evgeni. Those three grandsons were truly her pride and joy and she talked daily about how honored she was to have had the opportunity to be so close to them. Also survived by her brothers Angelos, Ilias and sister Nikki as well as many extended family back in Greece.
In lieu of flowers please take this opportunity to donate to the Palliative Care Unit at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. The family would like to thank Dr. Gallagher, the nurses and home support workers from Island Health and Sidney Senior Care who cared for Lina over the past year.
We love you YiaYia❤️
No service by request.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Madeleine Fort
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Dan and Brigitte Our deepest sympathies to the family..
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Dannie Carsen Susan and I spent many enjoyable Fridays at Eugene and Lina’s Fort Street location salivating over handmade souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita, Greek salad and baklava. Their smaller cafe footprint allowed for the true Greek experience in what felt like their family home. Lina’s kind face and spirited voice along with Eugene’s quiet and wise comments made for a family experience that warmed up the downtown neighborhood. Lina shall be missed! Our deep condolences to Eugene, Terry, Lee and their families.
Dannie and Susan Carsen
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Paul Ford I had the honor of knowing Lina and the Vassiliadis family from my time working at Eugene’s on Broad Street many years ago. I worked there for several summers, washing dishes in the back kitchen, often working beside Lina while she was bustling around keeping all of us on track. Lina was always incredibly kind and encouraging. The entire Vassiliadis family are special people and have always felt like an extended family to me thanks to their kindness and mentoring during my time there. It was truly an honor to be part of the team working with Lina and the family. My most sincere condolences.
With love and fond memories, Paul
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Luella Pedersen To All of Lina’s family
We were so blessed to have Lina and Eugene as neighbors for many years and to be recipients of Lina’s kindness and generosity of soul.
She will always be remembered.
Luella, Dorn and Lisa Pedersen
We will miss Lina’s beautiful smile. Deepest condolences to Eugene, Terry, Lee and your families.
Madeleine and Michel Fort