It is with great pain in our hearts that we announce the passing of Dionysia (Denise) Xenos of Lachine, Quebec, loving wife and best friend of Tony McRae and devoted mother to Robert and Maria.
Her memory will also be forever cherished by parents Marietta and Haralambos Xenos, sister Eugenia (Chris), brother Peter (Helen), parents-in-law Lucy and Rolland, siblings-in-law Joanne (Matthew), Michael (Brigitte), Susie (John), Tim (Chantel), along with numerous nephews and nieces (Alex, Matthew, Charlie, Sofia, Kiana, Caleb, Noah, John Jr., Robert, Michael, Emma, Olivia, Derek, Kelly, Nicholas, Philip, Hailie, and Oliver), as well as her many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and close work colleagues that she loved working with so much.
Denise graduated from McGill University and was a dedicated nurse of 38 years, first in emergency at the Montreal General Hospital, then as a Nurse Clinician at the McGill University Health Centre. Whether it was parents, work, family, or friends, she was always caring for others and went above and beyond to assist with and advise on their concerns. She volunteered with Literacy Unlimited as this was a passion she had to help others. She had also become a doting dog mother to Ruby, from a ten-week-old puppy to now a ten-year-old senior boxer she loved every minute spent with her. Denise had begun planning to adopt a dog from the SPCA, hoping to grow her beloved dog family.
Denise was the rock, the glue, the coordinator, and the point-person of her family and supported many of us individually. She was the first person many consulted for their health concerns, knowing that she would provide unwavering support to anyone who needed it. She prioritized duty and responsibility, but was lively, funny, and enjoyable to be around.
She made the best turkey and gravy and recently made the viral Biscoff Greek yogurt that her son enjoyed so much. Her greeting card messages were a blend of insight, humor, and love. She was looking forward to spending time with Tony, working on their cottage by the lake. Beach hopping in Zakynthos, Greece, was also a favorite summer vacation.
She spent her last weekend at a family gathering with her parents, siblings and their families discussing aging, health and exercise, as well as reflecting on the beautiful season of life she was in, with both her children graduating in the spring with work lined up - achievements made possible by her boundless moral support and belief in them. Denise leaves a great void in the lives of those who loved her.
Kalo taksidi, Denise. We love you very much, we will never forget you, and we will miss you every day.
In memory of Denise Xenos, donations may be made to MS Canada/Sclérose en plaques (division Québec).
A memorial service will take place at a later date.