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MARY (PANOPOULOS) GINAKES (MARIA)
Born: Apr 27, 1932
Date of Passing: Sep 06, 2020
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MARY (PANOPOULOS) GINAKES
1932 - 2020
Mary is survived by her loving children, Phyllis (Douglas), Athena (Nicholas) and Peter. Proud Yiayia (Grandmother) of Stephen, Zoe, Theadora, Demetra and Alexandra.
Daughter of Themistocles and Athena (Plessas) Panopoulos, Mary was predeceased by her devoted husband Demos (Jimmy), her brothers, George (Anna) and Tom (Christina), sister Giota (Michael) and niece Jeanne. She will be missed by her surviving sisters, Rita (John) Lambriathou, Sofia (Kosta) Voulgaris, brothers-in-law, John (Gloria) Ginakes, Perry (Tulla) Ginakes, sisters-in-law, Tasia (John) Boosalis, Katherine (Clem) Samouris, Mary D. A. Ginakes (Demos), and special friends Annaliza and Rose. Mary is fondly remembered by cousins, nephews, nieces and friends across Canada, the USA, Greece and South America.
Born in Kardama, Elias, Greece on April 27, 1932, she witnessed incredible changes to her world, having served at a children's hospital after the Second World War in Athens, Greece as a nurse. Mary followed her dream to travel and immigrated to Canada post-war in 1954 where she was welcomed to Winnipeg by Ann and Peter Buzunis and soon after met her future husband Demos (Jimmy) P. Ginakes. Together Mary and Jimmy created a legacy of warm hospitality in the Winnipeg restaurant industry like no other for over 60 years. They began as a couple, along with her brother Tom, first acquiring the Manhattan Restaurant (1956) on Portage Avenue, then purchasing Danny's Quick Lunch (1960), followed by the Thunderbird restaurants (1961/1963) and the Rib Shack restaurants. During recent years she found great joy in being an integral part of the Pony Corral Restaurants alongside her family.
Committed to preserving her Hellenic culture, Mary was a long-standing member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Ladies Philoptochos Society and the Daughters of Penelope. She enjoyed many wonderful years travelling to Florida and returning to vacation in her homeland of Greece accompanied by her husband, children and grandchildren. Mary's dedication to her church, family and friends will forever be cherished. She left an imprint with her unconditional love and care to all who entered her life. Mary embodied the true spirit of the Greek word "philoxenia" for her hospitable and welcoming nature. Her generosity, her kindness and loving nature will never be forgotten. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all her home care assistants who provided exceptional care, love, and compassion to Yiayia Mary for many years up to her final days.
Prayers will be held on Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave. Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Live stream and videos of the prayers and funeral service will be broadcast. Please visit www.stdemetrioschurch.com for YouTube instructions.
*Due to COVID-19, masks are mandatory and social distancing plus limitations in attendance will apply.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made "In memory of Mary Ginakes" to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3P 0S2 or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2.
www.voyagefuneralhomes.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2020
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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Sincere condolences to the entire Ginakes family. It was a pleasure to have met and dealt with Mary. She was a lovely lady who will be missed by her friends and family. She is now with her beloved Jimmy and at peace. - Posted by: Vincent Bueti (Family Friend) on: Sep 25, 2020
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Phyllis, Athena and Peter, I am very saddened to read about your mom’s passing. Your mom was a wonderful lady, compassionate, generous and funny. I loved listening to her stories about the ”Old Country”. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I’m sure that she and Jimmy are dancing in heaven. - Posted by: Jessica Olynick (Former employee ) on: Sep 23, 2020
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MY CONDOLENCES TO PETER PHYLLIS ATHENA AND THERE FAMILIES ON THIS SAD TIME IN THE LOSS OF THEIR MOTHER. I THINK YOUR DAD IS SAVING A SEAT FOR HER AT THE VLT. GOD BLESS THEM BOTH, YOUR FRIEND GENO - Posted by: GENO HNATUK (FRIEND) on: Sep 11, 2020
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Condolences from the Spryszak Family... - Posted by: Glen (Longtime family aquaintence) on: Sep 11, 2020
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Our deepest condolences to Peter and family. - Posted by: Marcello Urciuoli and family (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2020
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Peter, we are so sad for your loss. - Posted by: Roger Tuck (family friend) on: Sep 10, 2020
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Thia Mary was someone who will always be remembered by our family as a and incredible and beautiful individual, who exemplified the meaning of unconditional love. One of my most vivid childhood memories was spent in the kitchen of the original Ginakes family home, where Thia Mary, my mom and several other hard-working women would spend entire days producing diples (Greek pastries) by what seemed, the thousands. To this day, I can honestly say, that those were the most delicious diples that I have ever eaten. Dearest Phyllis, Athena and Peter - please know how much your mother will forever be remembered and cherished by our family. We are thinking of you, your spouses and your children though this very difficult time. Rest In Peace Thia Mary xo Mia Fatouros and Kevin Gunhouse (Calgary AB) - Posted by: Mia Fatouros-Gunhouse (Family ) on: Sep 10, 2020
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Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Peter and family. Mary's smile, kindness and sharpness will be sadly missed. May she rest now in peace. God bless. - Posted by: Genevieve van Oers (Family friend) on: Sep 10, 2020
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My condolences to the Ginakes family.. I worked for them at the Thunderbird in 1961 when it still was wide open country there. It was a pleasure to work for them. RIP Mary. Former employee, Carol (Kube) Stairs - Posted by: Carol Stairs (Former employee) on: Sep 10, 2020
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My Condolences to the Ginakes Family.Mary was a Wonderful Lady.I had the Privilege to have Met Her.God Bless ! - Posted by: Tony Guzzi (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the Family. - Posted by: Nuno Camara (Family Friend) on: Sep 09, 2020
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Peter our condolences for your loss Our prayers are with you and your family in these trying times. Terry Kolisnyk LNR SCREENPRINT - Posted by: Terry Kolisnyk (A Friend) on: Sep 09, 2020
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To the dear Ginakes family, especially Phyllis and my former school mate, Peter...I offer you all my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy on the difficult loss of your precious Mother, Mary. I grew up on Forest Park Drive at Sinclair Street while the Ginakes family lived one block up the street on Lincrest. Many weekends all my siblings and friends would hang out and play in the Forest Park School grounds. Usually Mary and Jimmy would be grilling something something deliciously Greek. Many times I just wanted to knock on their door to see if they'd adopt me so I could get closer to those highly intoxicating smells! What a beautiful family! I am so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jill (Smerchansky) Greenwood - Posted by: Jill. Greenwood (Former neighbor of the Ginakes family ) on: Sep 09, 2020
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My condolences to the Ginakes family. Mary was a wonderful kind woman who will be sorely missed - Posted by: Wayne Wedge (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2020
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Mary, you have touched the hearts of thousands with your grace. You were truly the inspiration for your most legendary family. God has called you to join his large fleet of Angels. May he Bless you and your beautiful family during this most difficult time. Sincerest Condolences to all. - Posted by: Linden Johnson (Fab 50's Ford Club) on: Sep 09, 2020
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Dear Peter and family, On behalf of the McWhinney family I wish you our sincerest condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother Mary. We are thinking of you and send you our best wishes and love your way. From Jill and mother Lily, my sister Leah and my brothers Paul, Jeff and Bruce. - Posted by: Bill Palmer (friend) on: Sep 09, 2020
