Obituary of Dina Yannitsos

Please click here to view the livestream of the service

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Constantina “Dina” Yannitsos on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at the age of 86 years. Dina was born in Foundoma, Kynourias, Greece on November 17, 1934. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years Panayioti (Peter); her parents Marika (Bakouris) and Yiorgos Perdicaris; twin sister Eleni; and brothers Demitri, Nicholas, Christos, Ioanis, Vasili and Panayioti. Dina will be lovingly remembered by sons John (Despina) and George (Sophia); five grandchildren: Constantina (Jay), Panayioti (Brittany), Demetra (Kris), Afrothiti, and Eleni; and her great-grandson Leo, who were her pride and joy; sisters Kanela and Anne; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dina’s early interest was sewing and being a seamstress/tailoress was a passion she enjoyed throughout her entire life. Upon arrival in Regina she gained immediate employment at Caskie Furs and later was a long-time employee at Simpsons and Fairweather/Big Steel Man. The biggest beneficiary of Dina’s incredible talent were her husband and sons who always had the latest suits and all the relatives and friends who had alterations and custom dresses made for special occasions. Her devotion to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church included many volunteer hours of sewing Altar Boy gowns, Holy Altar tablecloths, Easter decor and many other garments that adorned the church. It would not be unusual to have Dina march up to an altar boy and demand to take their gown to do alterations after noticing it needed lengthening or had a loose thread. Supporting the church meant everything to her and her family. She was proud that her husband was the church chanter for over 50 years and made certain that he was always present for those important duties. In fact, it was how she fell in love with Peter when she encountered him at the local village church where he was the young chanter.

Her life was one of sacrifices, determination and respect. Dina and her beloved husband left their families in Greece in 1959 for a better life in Canada. She never forgot where she came from and always supported both her own and her husband’s family back in Greece. Dina, along with her husband, opened their door at 2150 McIntyre Street, her beloved home from the first day they arrived in Canada, to hundreds of family and friends over the years.

Being a loving sister, spouse and mother was always her priority but being a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest pride and joy. Her grandchildren have the best memories and stories of their Yiayia Dina. Even as her health in the last few years did not allow for as many visits, her face lit up with the biggest smile when her grandchildren were near and when she could hold her great grandson Leo.

Dina’s last 5 years were viewed as a miracle after she survived a brain hemorrhage in 2015. Special thanks to her long-time family physician Dr. John Morris and the excellent staff at Regina General, Royal University and Wascana Rehab, who helped Dina recover and enjoy those extra special years. Thank you to the excellent staff at Princess Villa and College Park II homes for the care she received as a resident. Thank you to all her relatives and friends who called and visited mom. Thank you to the caring staff on unit 3D at the Pasqua Hospital in her final days. A special thank you to Father Spiridon Vandoros for his love and compassion. We love you Mom and Yiayia and will be forever grateful for everything you did and taught us. May Her Memory Be Eternal!

Due to Covid restrictions, the Funeral Service on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 will be a private family service. Two viewings have been arranged: Monday, May 3, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Speers Funeral Chapel, as well as Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Rd, Regina, SK S4S 2B2. To view the livestream of the service please see the link above which will be made available on the day of her service.