August 19, 2021
In loving memory of Selma Lilian Couzelis ~ Our beloved Selma Lilian Couzelis passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 19th, 2021 at the age of ninety-three after a long fight with dementia. Selma was predeceased by her husband Frank Couzelis.
Selma was born in Hanna, Alberta, to her loving parents, Andrew and Ada Lilian (Sugden) Söderman. She had two brothers, John and Duke, and a younger sister, Irene (all predeceased).
During her childhood, she moved frequently with her family. From Calgary, to Nakusp, BC to Vancouver, Lasqueti Island, Squamish and finally Vancouver Island. Of all these places, she most fondly reminisced about her dad's farm where she had a swing in the fruit orchard.
She married her husband, Frank Couzelis in October 1954 and they moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario shortly after the birth of their first child. Over the next ten years and with the addition of four more children, they moved back to Victoria and then back to Thunder Bay again in 1971, to finally settle there for the next twelve years. They took over running Mike's Fish and Chips restaurant for Frank's aging father.
Her final move in 1984 returned her to BC where she enjoyed the rest of her life surrounded by many of her family members and of course love.
Selma was the most devoted, kind and supportive Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend. She cherished her family and embraced every moment with them. Nothing made her happier than having all her family together.
From the small family dinners when she was raising her five children to the multi-generational gathering that she enjoyed yearly up to the age of ninety-three.
Family was everything to her. Her calm, positive outlook and unconditional love will always be remembered.
She is the much loved Mother of her five children Frank (Tammy) Couzelis, Christopher (Denise) Couzelis, Michael (Joan) Couzelis, Anne (Carmello) Forte and Victoria (Jari) Saarela.
She is the cherished Grandmother of her fourteen grandchildren (Christy, Aaron, Jason, Jessica, Daniel, Alana, Brandon, Shannon, Jordon, Shaun, Kyle, Alex, Henry and Nickolas) and proud Great Grandmother of her twelve great grandchildren.