Obituary of Androulla Petrides

Androulla Petrides- A Wonderful Woman, Mother, Wife and FriendThis is a very sad day for our family.We have thought about this day for many years, without knowing how it would affect us. We live our lives knowing that our parents and family members are there for us, supporting us, guiding us and, at times, correcting us.When one of them is gone, we lose our footing. When the other goes, we find ourselves scrambling to establish a new balance in our lives.My mother was a caregiver and a workhorse who tried to do everything.She wasn’t much for hobbies or outside entertainment,she didn’t watch television programs,she just went to her job and cared for her family.To my mother, food was love. When I asked my daughter for memories of her grandmother, she reminded me of their weekly trips to Tony's No Frills for groceriesin her Yia Yia's little red Pontiac and their return home to cook.So many memories about our mother seem to centre around food.She was always preparing meals, so that there was something available ...in case guests showed-up.We should remember today, not to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her life.Her life as a dedicated wife and companion of 62 years to our father.Her life as a mother who did her best to guide her children toward the right path.Her life as a doting grandmother for her only granddaughter. We often recall a comment from my father,at the celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.After everyone had said their piece about our parents, my father stood to thank everyone and to share another of his well-known bits of wisdom:"You know, if I had killed someone and gone to prison ...I would have been paroled by now!"Humour was my father's way of showing that he loved us,especially his wife ... his partner ... his friend.They immigrated together; started a new life in a foreign land together; planned for their family together, and carved out their future and their respective responsibilities together.They each worked and covered specific household expenses, while setting aside a portion for a rainy day.A very good team!Of course, they argued, but they were of one mind; ... care for your family and your friends.To be sure, our mother was a simple woman: Honest, Loving and Genuine.She worked hard, she loved her job ...and she was proud to remind us that she had never declined an offer of overtime. Ever!Although she did not attend church services as often as she wished,she was a true believer.She is now in a better place, where she has joined her parents, her sister and her husband ... and where she will await our arrival, if we are so blessed.There is a very appropriate verse that captures our feelings, at this time:"Mourn not for us, for we have seen the light.Have looked on beauty...have lived in peace and love.Grieve, but for those who go alone, unwise,to die in darkness and to never see the sun."We should count it as our greatest good fortune to have had her in our lives. She was our light, our love, our mother. God bless her and keep her well.due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, the visitation and funeral services have very limited capacity and will be reserved to family/close friends only. You will have to contact the family directly if you would like to attend. Thank you for your understanding during this very difficult time.Family contact for visitation details is Panos, he may be reached at his email address: panos.petrides@gmail.com or his Phone Number 647-885-3661