It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Calliope Zahariadis (née Harari) in Toronto, Canada, on January 4, 2026, just shy of her 87th birthday. 

Calliope was born in Athens, Greece, in March 1939, to Christos and Despina Harari. She attended the legendary Arsakeio Institution, where her keen intellect and love of learning were evident from a young age. Her life changed dramatically in 1958 when she was paralyzed during a polio outbreak and spent nearly a year confined to an iron lung, courageously fighting for her life. That early battle forged a resilience and depth of character that would define her for decades to come. Despite lifelong mobility challenges resulting from post-polio syndrome, Calliope was spirited and lived with determination and independence. 

She traveled to Australia, where she married in 1963, later returning to Greece and remarrying in 1969. In 1970, she immigrated to Canada, where she created a life rooted in her faith and culture.Calliope is survived by her devoted son, George; her beloved granddaughters, Sofia and Callie; her brother, Konstantinos; and her niece Despina. She was predeceased by her parents and by her cherished grandson, Nikolas, whose loss deeply affected her spirit. Her health deteriorated swiftly after the passing of her beloved grandson Nikolas and it is our hope and comfort that grandmother and grandson are now reunited. In the 1970s, Calliope taught elementary Greek school at St. Demetrios Church School, passing on language, culture, and faith to a new generation. In the 1990s, she volunteered at the Hellenic Home (Toronto), a place that would later become her final home, where she spent the last months of her life before sleeping in the Lord. 

Calliope lived with mental illness throughout her life, yet her faith in God and her Greek Orthodox beliefs never wavered. She was a sharp observer of human nature, an engaging conversationalist, and a deeply attentive listener. Her wry sense of humour, pragmatic wisdom, and thoughtful advice left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Those she loved were showered with attention, care, and devotion. She had a profound appreciation for beauty and style in all its forms: elegant fashion, French chocolate desserts, sparkling interiors, and flowers in full bloom. Friends fondly recall her child-like joy each spring, when Toronto’s long winter gave way to colour, life, and movement once again. She took immense pride in her son George—his devotion to his children and his professional accomplishments were a constant source of joy for her. 

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Heritage Home and the Hellenic Home for their compassionate care since 2020, and to the exceptional team at Toronto Western Hospital for the outstanding end-of-life care they provided. Our mother and grandmother was kept comfortable before she passed peacefully from progressive respiratory failure.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Calliope’s memory to Guardians of Recovery (https://guardiansofrecovery.foundation) and Pine River Institute (https://pineriverinstitute.com), in honour of both her life and the memory of her beloved grandson Nikolas.

Visitation with the family will be held on:
Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. 
St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Chapel, 86 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON. 
The funeral service will follow from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at St. Jude’s Wexford Cemetery, 10 Howarth Avenue, Toronto, ON, followed by lunch in the dining hall at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Chapel.