Obituaries

UPDATE - GOREAS (NEE WOOD), Louise Ella Mae

UPDATE - A Celebration of Life for Louise will be held on THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022, at 3:00 PM, at the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 696 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, B.C.

To our Louise, our “Sweet Caroline”.

Louise Ella Mae (Wood) Goreas was born in Burns Lake, BC on May 20,1938 and passed away on the evening of Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Kelowna.

We are overwhelmed by the loss of our loving mother, grandmother (Yia Yia), and loving friend to all those who knew her.

Louise was raised in Prince Rupert, BC with her brother Robert. She would later move to Kelowna with her mother Paula. It was in Kelowna where she would meet and marry Demetrius Nicholas Goreas, start her own family and spend the rest of her life.

Louise was gregarious, boisterous, intelligent, supportive, and fierce. Some might say outspoken. She valued many things, but what she held dear more than anything else was family.

“Family first!” was her favorite saying.

Louise started her preschool teaching career with Little Bo-Peep, then to St. Jude's and eventually mom moved her preschool into her home, "Our Place." She taught many children in the Mission area that she loved and cared for as if they were her own. On numerous occasions over the years several of her students have returned to let her know how much she changed their lives, shaped their values, and made them into loving, kind, and mindful adults.

Louise’s family extended to her sisters and brothers in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One of her last callings was, Stake Relief Society President. While fulfilling this calling she joyfully travelled the valley attending to the needs of her fellow sisters, always with a spiritual word and warm embrace.

If you drove by her house, you might have noticed her putting out a Greek flag. She was not Greek, but her husband was. This was another way of connecting to and proclaiming her love for her family. She would always fly the flag when any of us returned home to stay and be with her.

Over the past couple of years Mom developed some memory challenges that impacted her daily life. Her deepest and oldest memories of her family were among her most cherished. She often said that the great part about her memories, was the fact that she only seemed to remember the good ones.

We love you mom and miss you deeply. We hope you are with your mother, brother, father, and husband now. We hope that the lord is letting you look down and marvel at the incredible and amazing work that you have done and the wonderful things you have accomplished with your life and ours. You will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you.

Predeceased by her husband Demetrius, her parents Douglas and Paula, and her brother Robert. Louise Goreas is survived by her sons Douglas (Roxane) of Kelowna, B.C.; Wade (Charline) of London, Ontario; James (Karen) of Shawnigan Lake, B.C.; Lee (Jennifer) of Toronto, Ontario; and her daughter Allison of Kelowna.

Also survived by brother-in-law, Tommy; sister-in-law, Fotini; grandchildren Robert, Madison, Jasmine, Colin, Justin, Helene, Demetra, one great-grandson DeAndre, and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on Thursday, August 25th, 2022 at 3 PM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 696 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Society of Canada.

Condolence Messages

Aug 31, 2022
Deepest condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of Mrs Goreas inviting my sister and I to make gingerbread houses at Christmas, and playing with all the other kids at the daycare. I recall many lesson she taught us in being tolerant of those who were different and how to speak respectfully of others-important lessons imparted from a caregiver. Tara Cookson - Tara Cookson
Aug 25, 2022
I was totally shocked to hear of your moms passing. I found out on aug 25. She was the happest person I have ever met! Rejoice sister. - Brenda Lemoine, and Tom
Aug 18, 2022
I lovingly remember her as my preschool teacher and after school daycare provider. Her house felt like home. Her warmth was immeasurable and I’ve always endeavoured to be someone she would be proud of. Warmest wishes as I’m sure her spirit lives on in her family and the multitude of lives she’s touched. - Vanessa Miller
Aug 17, 2022
I am sorry for your loss. I miss seeing your Mom at church and know how much she loved all of you.

Karen Nykyforuk and Family - Karen Nykyforuk
Aug 16, 2022
We loved being around Sister Glorious!! What a wonderful woman. Much love to your family. - Marla Orr (Rempel)
Aug 16, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Allison. Rob and Cathy - Rob Gibbon
Aug 16, 2022
so sorry for your loss your i think of your mom often. She was a fantastic pre school teacher and a wonderfully giving woman i brought my son to meet her when he was born and she gave him a little stuffy and and some clothes she always made the best cookies . i will miss visiting with her - chelsea brown
Aug 16, 2022
We love the Goreas family! Louise was a remarkable force for good in my life growing up in Kelowna and as part of the church. She was such an example and teacher to me and my siblings. A kind friend to my mum as well - going back home always includes a visit to Louise. We will miss those visits, her cherry tree, her warm welcoming sunken living room, her sassy ways - Louise - you will be missed! Much love from the Jones family (Vivian, Robert, Rodney, Shereen, Sharla, Ray) - Sharla Jones
Aug 16, 2022
Oh, how I miss my dear sister Wheezie! Every time we got together, she would tell me how we were sisters before we came here. She was so kind-hearted to everyone she came across, and an excellent example of unconditional love to her family. She was my first and best friend since moving to Kelowna, and I will always treasure that friendship. See you again, my sister. - Joycelyn Packard
Aug 15, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. We are her neighbors and quite often saw her in the yard feeding the birds. She was always smiling. I would see her pick up her grandchildren at DWE, never without sunshine surrounding her. She was a lovely lady. And YES, I saw the Greek flag many times over the years. Now I understand why. Sending you much love Allison and family. - Leslie and Darrell Smith
Aug 15, 2022
Dear Allison and Helene, I am sorry to hear. My thoughts are with you. Linda L.
Aug 13, 2022
Dear Allison and Family - So very sorry to hear about your Mom, I know you will miss her, she always spoke of her daughter and grandchildren. She was so proud of you and her Family. We enjoyed working together years ago and kept in touch. I will miss her telephone calls and I know you all will miss her. Love to you,the Boys, and your families Olga
Aug 13, 2022
Louise was a good friend of my sister, Olga Perret, and we met on several occasions. We shared the same birth date May 20th (but different years). She was full of life and I know she will be greatly missed, Sincere condolences, Zinnia Gregory
Jun 29, 2022
My thoughts are with you and your family.

Mark
Jun 22, 2022
Louise loved people of all ages and sizes, she had that special gift of making others feel welcome. I know she is gathered with family and friends on the other side of the veil. Warm hugs to her family.

Connie Pedersen Gough
Jun 17, 2022
My heart is filled with so many amazing memories and I will and always cherish the love Mrs. G showed me. I was 7 years old when I moved to Kelowna, Allison and became best of friends and we were like sisters all through elementary school. Our friendship. On graduation day Mrs G handed me an envelope with a card and a gift inside, I will never forget that day and what that gift meant to me. I have no idea why she did this for me but I know I will always be grateful. One Christmas many years later she invited me on Facebook to come by during Christmas while I was home. I will always cherish the love she showed me and she will always hold a very special part in my heart.

All my love

Tracy Beckenhauer
Jun 14, 2022
To the Goreas Family

We were so sorry to see the notice of Louise passing. We haven't seen her for a long time but haven't forgotten her wonderful personality. RIP Louise.

Kurtand Irene Lauridsen.
Jun 07, 2022
Allison, I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a wonderful lady and preschool teacher, I had the pleasure of spending two years with her as a child. I remember watching our old videos of the Christmas concert and Santa visit in your home. She made an impact on my family that I will not forget. I am thinking of you and your girls during this difficult time.

All the best.

Sara Rullkotter
Jun 07, 2022
I am sad to hear of the passing of our dear Louise. I had the pleasure of visiting regularly and each time I always felt inspired and edified by her strong convictions. I will miss her hearty laugh and beautiful smile. She loved life and was a great example and friend. God be with you Louise. May peace and comfort be with your loved ones. Love, Rose Spittle
Jun 07, 2022
So sorry to hear the sad news. My condolences to the family. I’m Grandma to a family who attended Louise’s pre-school. Oh how they loved her. From crafts to puddle jumping she always had something on the go. Then there was the fabulous Christmas concerts she organized. The costumes and entertainment were something to see. I would often run into Louise at school Christmas concerts in later years, where she was out supporting “her kids” that had passed through her pre-school. What a lovely lady. She will always be a part of our family’s fond memories. ..Shirley Desrosiers
Jun 07, 2022
I met Louise about 10 years ago when I came to town driving a friends car as her husband had a heart attack and they flew up to Kelowna. I needed a place to stay and she opened up her home and her heart. We kept in touch for awhile. I'm sorry we have lost such a nice and happy lady. Phyllis
Jun 06, 2022
I so sorry for ur lost Louise was like a 2nd mom to me she all ways had a smile on her face louise may me feel Special when i was with her .she was a kind caring woman and I will miss her alot my wife and I all ways try and get a last hug from her after church was done and she went home she all ways love getting hugs and giving hugs out to everyone who wanted a hug again I am going to miss her alot love u Louise ty for being in my life for over 30 years

Ron
Jun 06, 2022
Sending my love.

Erinne
Jun 05, 2022
One of my first memories is going through the basement of the duplex on Ellis Street and meeting your mom in the middle she always had a hug and I mint in her pocket. Through the years of my childhood many of my best memories are filled with the Goreas family and Louise and Jimmy We had so many good times and your mom was always full of hugs and laughter and love. We are all richer because of Louise and Jimmy as well of course. My heart goes out to all of you, you are in my prayers.

Anne (Egerton) Salter
Jun 04, 2022
To some She was "Ya Ya", to some She was Mrs. Goreas, and to many She was just plain Louise. To All she had an infectious smile that always lit up the room with positive thoughts. Louise was a Dear friend we will miss so much!! Jan & Dennis Denney
Jun 04, 2022
Louise, My Buddy , from the first time we met at an over 50’s Activity at the Home of Brother Terry & Sister Ladene Rempel in 2003 We became close friends since that evening . On July 16th 2010 ,You accepted My Daughter’s Call from Calgary early hours to be with with Bob & I at 8am when they

gave me the Sad news about my Son, Scott’s Death in Iraq. Louise, you Always made time to visit me ON MY BIRTHDAY , many times with

your Darling Granddaughters. Your visits to many Special LDS Chapels across BC during your time as the Stake Relief Society President.

Louise, your Yearly Christmas Concerts ( your After School Children Performing) were simply magnificent . Our many Monthly late Breakfast we had together at the local Restaurant

My Husband, Bob & I loved you dearly . Louise, thank you for sharing your love of Our Heavenly Father to everyone you met. Your continuing calls to me after Bob & I moved to Calgary to be close to my Daughters & adult Grandchildren. Your Love will always be in our hearts. Our Heavenly Father and you are now together along with your Your Parents, your Brother and Your Husband, Demetrius, your Family & every Brother & Sister in the LDS church and those you met during your life. Thank you Louise for for your Love to Bob & I and attending our special Events. We will keep your love in our Hearts. Love Bob & Maggie Sharpe
Jun 03, 2022
Alison, my heart is with you, i lost my mom a few years ago, my heart and thoughts are with you and your beautiful girls. I will always remember your “Louise” stories. Much Love, Shelley Dornian
Jun 03, 2022
I keep driving by Louse's place on my way to see my daughter, Julie. I just knew something was wrong and feel so sad at learning of the loss of your wonderful "Mom". I first met her when we worked together at S.M.Simpson sawmill. Went to a couple of good parties with her too. Later I became her Avon lady and we has such fun chats. She will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest sympathy to all of you, but especially Allison. Keep all the good memories in your heart. My love, Dorothy Thomson
Jun 03, 2022
Louise Ella Mae was my best friend, only I always knew her as ,Wheezie". As a new convert in 1980, Wheezie was assigned as my first Visit Teaching Companion. She taught me that we should alway pray before visiting a sister so that we might be apprised of her needs, and how we could help. She taught me how to hug.

In the late 80's I was going through great heartbreak and I also had to travel out of town for major surgery. Home at last and lying on the chesterfield to recover, there was a knock on the front doo. Opening the door I saw a clown (in full costume). When she started to sing and dance on my front step, I realized it was Wheezie! I'm sure I tore stitches, I laughed so hard. She helped me heal emotionally and physically.

She often quoted her sweet Mom, Paula who taught her so much of being a good person, and the "right" thing to do.

We stayed good friends even when I moved my family to Creston, BC. and Cardston, Alberta.

I treasured her calls and in the last few years when short term memory was a problem she would ask " have I told you this story before.? ". I would reply, " I don't remember, tell me again."

Oh how I will miss my best friend! But she is safe with the Lord whom she loved so much!

How much better we are to have known her!

Love, Sister Marleen (Beaune) Pope

. .
Jun 03, 2022
So sorry for your loss.

Louise created wonderful memories for our family as she took care of my son and one of my daughters at her lovely preschool daycare. She always provided fun education and kinship for the children in her care. She will be missed.

From Mirella B. and family
Jun 03, 2022
Don and Rita will miss Louise, she was an important part of our lives over the past 40 years. Our condolences to the family.

The Attwoods
Jun 03, 2022
Allison, I am sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I will hold you and your family up in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Leanne Hopegood
Jun 02, 2022
She was a very special woman indeed! I have fond memories of sleepovers at the Goreas house when I was young and she always made me feel welcome while spoiling us with her delicious cooking. My condolences to all the family on the loss of your beautiful mom. Love Ramona Folk (Kruger)
Jun 02, 2022
Hi Goreas Family

So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always so proud of all of you and had good reason to be. Your friend from the old neighborhood….

Chris White
Jun 02, 2022
Our condolences to the Goreas family for your loss. Louise was a wonderful and sincere person, First met her when she worked in SM Simpson office and worked with Jimmy at the Plywood Plant. RIP Louise, Willi & Pat Lange
Jun 02, 2022
Dear Alison and family,our family is saddened by the loss of your mom. She was a great lady, always smiling and very supportive of all of you. She will be looking down and enjoying the family’s antics over the future years. May she Rest In Peace.

Jim and Chicki

Jacques and family
Jun 02, 2022
We are so very sorry for your loss, and we sure will miss seeing Louise every Saturday morning. It was a pleasure to know her, and she always put a smile on our faces. She will be missed.

Luigi & the gang from Maria’s Hair Fashions
Jun 02, 2022
Dear Allison, and families we are so sorry on this difficult time with the loss of a beautiful, intelligent, kind and caring Mother , grandma and friend to all . We have wonderful memories growing up with your family as kids and Dads best friend working with Jimmy at the plywood plant .Sending our love , hugs and prayers Gary & Carol Slesinger, Laurie & Michelle and families
Jun 02, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Louise was my son’s preschool teacher and she was amazing (30 years ago) He loved going and meeting his little friends. She always made every feel special and the children were loved so much by her. She was a force for sure. Ursula Clair