It is with deep sadness that I report the recent passing of Δέσποινα of the “ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΑ Gift Shop” in the Old Village. She, along with her husband Yiannis and other members of her family, have operated that beautiful shop for many years, and, without question, Δέσποινα was the heart and soul of the store.
My wife Andrea and I knew her for almost two decades, and even though her English was just as basic as my Greek, we were always able to communicate with her. She was just incredibly friendly and welcoming to us. I’ll always remember her big smile and the obvious warmth of her hugs when she greeted us each time we returned to the island.
She, along with her two brothers that we know, Nikos (of the Estiatorio Eleonas) and Babis (former fire department chief and successful business entrepreneur), and her parents (the late Apostolis Anagnostou and the amazing Eleni), are truly some of the finest people one could ever encounter on the island.
We will certainly miss Δέσποινα, and surely the Old Village will never be quite the same without her. We extend our deepest sympathies to her entire family.
ΑΙΩΝΙΑ Η ΜΝΗΜΗ (eternal be her memory)
