02/11/2026
KANELLOPOULOS Fotini “Fotoula”
Fotini “Fotoula” Kanellopoulos (née Giannoukos)
January 20, 1939 – February 9, 2026
Fotini “Fotoula” Kanellopoulos (née Giannoukos), 87, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026. She was born on January 20, 1939, in the small village of Kokkoras, Gortynia, Arcadia, Greece, to Spyridon Giannoukos and Charalampia Giannoukos (née Konstantopoulos).
One of five siblings, Fotoula was a loving sister to Dimitra, Vasiliki, Ioannis, and Katerina. After losing her father at a young age, she helped her mother raise her siblings, taking on responsibility with strength and quiet determination. Years later, her devotion to family continued when she welcomed two of her siblings to Canada, opening her home and heart so they could live together under one roof.
She was the proud and devoted wife of her childhood love, Ilias “Louis” Kanellopoulos. They married on February 17, 1963, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion and deep affection. Louis had moved to Canada in 1961 and worked tirelessly for two years to bring his beloved Fotoula to join him in Toronto. She often said they were “lucky in love,” and to her, her husband was her whole world. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one another.
Soon after arriving in Canada, Fotoula embraced her new life with courage and determination. She and Louis welcomed three daughters: Angela (Stam) in 1965, Sally (John) in 1970, and Demi (Bill) in 1971. When she spoke of them, she lovingly referred to them as “Οι κούκλες μου” — my dolls. There is nothing in this world like a mother’s love, and her daughters felt that love deeply and unconditionally each and every day of her life.
Fotoula was the epitome of a matriarch. She managed a spotless and welcoming home while working grueling nights into the morning picking worms, all while raising her family with strength and grace. She was also a gifted seamstress, and her many beautiful needlepoints adorned the walls of her home — a home that was always open, always warm, and the setting of countless celebrations filled with laughter, food, and family.
She took immense pride in caring for her household. Family was everything to her. Completely untouched by the material temptations of western society, her greatest joy came from nurturing those she loved. She and Louis tended a large backyard garden filled with vegetables and flowers, and nothing made her happier than preparing a meal from scratch using ingredients she had grown herself, watching her family gather around the table she so lovingly set.
Her love extended beyond her family. Known for her tender heart, Fotoula would bring injured birds from her garden into her home, nursing them gently until they were strong enough to fly again — a quiet reflection of the compassion she carried within her.
She was a beloved grandmother to Sofia (Jesse), Fotoula (Roshan), Taso (Nicole), Louis (Ellie), and Fotoula, and a cherished great-grandmother to Spyri, Yianni, Leo, Daniel, Yianni, Ally, Anastasia, and Yianni. In her later years, though she slowed in body, her love only grew stronger. She adored her great-grandchildren beyond measure and was happiest when surrounded by their voices and laughter.
Fotoula loved love — and that is exactly what she gave to everyone in her life. Love and warmth, always. She was the heart and soul of her family, a steady presence of strength, grace, and devotion.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Funeral Service Information:
Visitation: Friday February 13, 2026
10 am to 11 am
Sts. Panteleimon
11323 Warden Avenue
Funeral Service:
Friday February 13, 2026
11 am
Sts. Panteleimon
11323 Warden Avenue
Interment: Elgin Mills Cemetery
Section 15
May she rest in eternal peace ☦️♥️💒