KARAS, Eleni (Elaine) - January 3, 1937 – January 21, 2023
Elaine was born Eleni Kolokythas in the village of Konopina, Greece, in 1937. She was the third of four sisters, and part of a large extended family with whom she shared an extraordinary bond of love and devotion. Her childhood was defined by the hardships and devastation of war, and yet she experienced the joys of family and deep childhood friendships, along with youth’s hijinks and mischief. These happier memories she was fond of retelling, with joyful humour and keen recall. An accomplished seamstress from a young age, Elaine would create her dresses from scratch to match those she saw in celebrity periodicals. She was an enthusiastic student of life with a particular passion for history and geography, which she nurtured over many happy years as navigator on road trips with Peter throughout Europe, Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
Elaine immigrated to Canada in June 1961, at the age of 24. Her arrival was much anticipated by her childhood friend and admirer, Peter, who had spent 10 years working across Canada, including the Arctic Circle, to build a life fit for his childhood love. They married June 21st, 1961, just days after she arrived from Greece. Peter had already been working in Jasper, and there they made a home for over 60 years. In the early days, they built fond memories living above the chalet at the Whistler’s ski hill and running the cafeteria below. Over the years, they busily established themselves in the community as business owners, running the Mt. Robson Restaurant, as well as increasing the community by raising four children. In addition to working in the family restaurant, Elaine was a dedicated homemaker. There was always a loving embrace waiting at home, something delicious simmering on the stovetop, and lots of laughter. By the early 1990s Elaine and Peter had become full-time snowbirds, wintering in a new home in Clearwater Florida, where they cherished new friends as well as old friends and family. Over the next 28 years, they were blessed with seven grandchildren, with whom Elaine (Yia Yia) leaves a profound legacy of love.
Elaine passed away peacefully January 21, 2023, in Victoria BC, surrounded by her family.
She will be lovingly remembered by family and friends for her quiet grace, unending compassion, infectious humour and unconditional love. Family who mourn her passing include her love of over 70 years, Peter Karas; her children, Archie (Lisa) Karas of Tete Juane, Dean Karas of Jasper, Fontas (Shannon) Karas of Saskatoon, and Vicky (Brock) Karas of Victoria; grandchildren, Nashou and Niam Karas, Oscar, Archer and Everette Karas, and Tallulah and Dashiell MacLeod; Elaine’s sister, Maria of Jasper; and many more extended family and friends. Elaine is predeceased by her beloved sisters Aliki and Paola of Greece.
Our family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all staff and management at Seton Hospital, Jasper, including those in Continuing Care (DAL), Homecare, Physiotherapy, and the staff at the Alpine Summit Lodge, for so many months of compassionate care for our mother. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Mackenzie, of the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, who guided us and mom, with an abundance of empathy, kindness and caring, through her final days.
Elaine’s 40 day memorial will take place on February 26, 2023 at the Ypapanti Greek Orthodox Church, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Elaine’s name to the Jasper Seton Hospital via the Jasper Ladies Auxiliary (PO Box 310, T0E 1E0).
