It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, Maria Papakostas, on December 11th, 2024, at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg.
Left to cherish her loving memory are her husband David Spencer Inkster of 25 years; two sons Vasilios (Pamela) and Demetrios (Monique) from a previous marriage to Don Oliver; eight grandsons Vasilios, Andreas, Nicholas (Morrigan), Noah (Lia), Rhys, Kyle, Paul and Adam; three great-grandsons Jack, Lawrence and Grey; brother Dimo; sister-in-law Olga; cousins and numerous nieces and nephews; Daves children Geoff (Lacey), Christine (Ben), and Glen (Ashley); grandchildren Austin (Becca), Brooke, Ethan, Ashley, Shae (Josh) and Jaxon; great-grandchildren Primrose, and Saffron. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Andrea and Paraskevi Papakostas, ex-husband Donald Oliver, brother Laki, and sister Maria.
Maria was born in Dara Greece on January 24, 1942. She arrived in Montreal, Canada in 1960. Maria spent about 10 years in various cities and towns after Montreal. Toronto, Chicago, Missoula, Thompon, Winnipeg, Powerview, back to Winnipeg then settling in St. Andrews.
Maria has always been a hard worker and never shied away from a challenging task. Her early jobs involved waitressing, which was over many years, worked as a hair stylist, owned and ran her own restaurant, owned and ran a Pic-a-Pop store, helped in operating a courier service, Took courses in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. She was employed for many years with the Seven Oaks School Division in custodial services until her retirement, whereafter she still picked up shifts with LSSD as a spare cleaner.
Maria spent as much time with family looking after her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when asked to. Aside from her garden and plants, this was one of her favorite things to do. Family was very important to her. Maria always enjoyed cooking the family dinners especially when her kids and grandkids arrived to help on a given project around the house. Other times she would even kick you out of your own kitchen to do the cooking for everyone.
Our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Health Science Center for their unwavering care and compassion during our mom’s final days.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave at Henderson Hwy.
1 thought on “Maria Papakostas”
Sad to hear Maria’s passing I worked with her many years at seven oaks school division and with Dave. Visited often. After her retirement. With the division enjoyed her humar and zest for topics
Darlene parsons