IRIS VONDJIDIS

Iris Vondjidis passed away on February 20, 2019, at the St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat. From her initial diagnosis of cancer to her end after two years, through chemotherapy, extensive surgery, and more chemotherapy and then even more chemotherapy, and with her beloved husband Alex un-failingly at her side, Iris fought with valiant determination against Stage IV cancer. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 58 years Alexander, and their son Panayotis (Alec Jr). Iris was predeceased by her parents Michael and Olga and by her beloved aunts and uncles. Iris was born in Athens, Greece. An amateur of art and archeology, in her younger days, she was an avid traveler and worked as a tour guide leading bus tours from Athens to Italy, France, and throughout Greece. She always enjoyed an opportunity to dress up a bit, and her fashion sense was certainly noteworthy! Her unique collection of eye glasses and her many self designed accessories are something to behold! Alex and Iris came to Canada in the very early 80’s and after stops in Vancouver and Kamloops made their way to Medicine Hat in 1988. While Alex taught at the Medicine Hat College they gradually acquired rental property, which Iris managed. Both Iris and her husband Alex enjoyed travelling and exploring the world and took the opportunity of Alex’s retirement to further explore North America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. As a family we are deeply grateful to Dr. Anna Cameron, oncologist and surgeon, and to her team of exceptional professionals at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary for all the efforts they put into providing Iris with both excellent and compassionate care. We are also grateful for the palliative care she received at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat and for the willingness to help and the compassion shown by so many of the hospice’s medical and non-medical staff. Father Panagiotis (Peter) Rougas of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Calgary will be conducting a Funeral Service at the SAAMIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL #1 Dunmore Road S.E. on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. Following the service a light luncheon will be served at the reception centre. Memorial donations in Iris’s memory may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, donations office for Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2W 4N2, or to the St. Joseph’s Home 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com with subject heading Iris Vondjidis. Arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park” #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.