Andrea Spiros of White Rock, BC passed away on February 23st 2024, just a few months short of her 81st birthday.
She was born in Athens, Greece to her father, Panagiotis Karamalis from Piraeus, Greece, a renowned lawyer of the Supreme Court of Athens, and Stella Syrianou- Narantzis born Antonatou of Alexandria, Egypt, a cosmopolitan lady (who later, when divorced, got a job with British Airways and succeeded in finding airline jobs for both her daughters). Her grandmother, whom she was named after, was one of eight children who evaded the burning of Smyrna city and went to Egypt. Andrea married Spilios (Spiros) Papaioannou a co-worker at British Airways after a three-year friendly relationship which turned into romance and a marriage lasting over 53 years.
Andrea was predeceased by her parents, her beloved aunts and her close cousin Kouka LeFroy. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her loving and devoted husband, her adoring sister, Poly Karamali, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was a wonderful godmother to Elina Taillon, daughter of her cousin, Niovi Patsicakis, who are also heartbroken. She was also a godmother to Kouka and Peter's beautiful daughter Tiffanie.
Andrea had a lovely childhood despite being the end of WW2 and the turmoil which ensued. She was very gifted and curious and enjoyed many activities including singing, swimming, sewing, arts and crafts and had a great love of animals, especially later for her Siamese cats. Summers were especially good with outings to the beautiful sea. School was difficult as she proved to be a quick thinker and talker, impatient with academics and rote memorizing. She fiercely protected her shy sister and encouraged her to sing during family gatherings, having a good voice and perfect musical ear precision. Her passion in her youth, was decorating and she went to Doxiades Artistic School obtaining a Diploma in Decoration. She never used it professionally, but later on decorated her own beautiful homes and those of friends and relatives.
Unfortunately, at the age of 22 and for the rest of her life, Andrea bravely faced many health challenges including Hodgkin’s disease (her aunt Mitsi was the person who funded her care in Paris, saving her life), other cancers, autoimmune disease ITP, back surgery and other surgeries. With her morale, her stamina and perseverance she overcame them all, but, in the end, they left her too weak to face a big heart surgery. She fought for normalcy and had a zest for life right up to the end, enduring pain but never fearing death. Her husband was her rock and caregiver whom she could not live without.
Andrea was a very talkative and sociable person, thus entertaining her many friends with her adventures and wit. She was kind, a good listener, always with a hearty laugh and a pleasant demeanor. Her fashionable style and beauty never faded. In the early sixties, she began to work for British Airways which was a wonderful job for her as she was quick on the phone and a good problem solver. Later in Canada, she also worked for other carriers which earned her passes to do what she and her husband loved - travelling and visiting many countries and learning about the world. She led an extraordinary, happy life enjoying many years of cruising with friends and family.
The family thanks her doctors and caregivers and appreciates her friends and family, who often visited. Andrea loved her stay at her last residence Aspira Peninsula and typically made many friends there, including staff. A special heartfelt thanks to cousin Niovi Patsicakis and her husband Alain Taillon for their love and ongoing support, as well as cousin Peter LeFroy, for always being there too.
A viewing will be held on March 4th, 2024, from 3:00- 4:00 pm at the Kearney Columbia-Bowell Chapel, 219 6th Street, New Westminster.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA. As per Andrea’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered in the Aegean Sea. A Celebration of Life will take place on April 7th, 2024.