Sophia Horvath (née Mentzelopoulos)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sophia Horvath of Banff, Alberta, who left us on September 7, 2024, at the age of 78 years. Sophia is survived by her children, Lambrina Nikolaou (Brett Titus), Nick Horvath, and Michael Horvath (Tatiana); grandchildren, Jordan, Avari, and Nixon; brothers, Kostas Mentzelopoulos (Pamela) and Taso Mentzelopoulos (Colleen); sisters, Georgia Daboura and Katina Martin (Dan); as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Maria Mentzelopoulos (née Baxivannis); father, Athanasios Mentzelopoulos; brother, Nick Mentzelopoulos; niece, Clara Mentzelopoulos; and brother, Panyiotis, who died in Greece in 1950.

Born on November 26, 1945, in Patras, Greece, Sophia emigrated to Canada in 1962 at the age of 17, settling with her parents and five siblings in Calgary. She made Calgary her home, where she started her own family in 1964 and raised three children. In addition to being a homemaker, Sophia worked as a dental technician at Cascade Lab for over a decade, achieved great success as an Avon saleswoman, and managed the popular children's clothing store, Lad and Lassie, at Westbrook Mall.

In 1987, Sophia moved to Banff to be closer to her parents and siblings while raising her youngest son. She took pride in working at her brothers' family restaurant, Athena Pizza, where she served locals, tourists, skiers, and returning Calgarians with a warm and welcoming smile. Sophia loved meeting new people and she amazed customers with her math prowess by instantaneously calculating and splitting bills and, of course, at the end of a long shift, adding up her tips.

Our "Mama" took great pride in her cooking and Greek baking. She generously shared her delicious homemade biscotti and traditional Greek Christmas cookies, including “Kourabiedes” and “Melomakarona.” Every New Year, she delighted in hiding a coin in the family’s Vasilopita (Greek New Year's cake). She enjoyed traveling to warm, sunny destinations and cherished summers in Patras, Greece, swimming in the sea and savoring cold watermelon.

A lover of bowling, bingo, and jigsaw puzzles, Sophia also cherished her time chatting with family and friends. She generously volunteered in the Banff community and her kindness extended to residents at Mount Edith House, her home for 17 years, where she built many close friendships. 

Sophia was immensely proud of her children and cherished her role as “Yiayia” to her grandchildren and “Theia” to her many nieces and nephews. She deeply valued gatherings and special celebrations with family and friends. 

Throughout her life, Sophia faced numerous challenges with remarkable resilience, a beautiful smile, and a compassionate spirit. She was a very loving Mama, Yiayia and Theia, and caring and generous daughter, sister and friend. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as Greek coffee and “Galaktoboureko”, and treasured time spent with loved ones. 

The family expresses gratitude to Sophia’s healthcare team at the Mineral Springs Hospital in Banff for their dedicated care, Alberta Health Services for their guidance, and the caregivers at Whitehorn Village for their support. We also extend our thanks to the Rockyview General Hospital for their compassionate care in her final days.

A Visitation and Celebration of Mom’s life will be held at Balkan (120 Banff Avenue, Banff) on Monday, September 30, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The family will have a private interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Banff, where Sophia will be laid to rest alongside her parents.

Rest in peace, Mama, Yiayia, Theia Sophia. You will be dearly missed and always remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sophia’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (www.heartandstroke.ca), Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca), or a charity of your choice.