Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs ‘Anemones’ honour Sofia Mastoris OAM on International
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs ‘Anemones’ marked International Women’s Day with a heartfelt tribute to the late Sofia Mastoris OAM, who passed away on 28 January.
Held on Monday, the gathering brought together over thirty Anemones members, committee representatives, and notable guests, including Hellenic Women’s Federation Victoria President Mary Lalios, Greek Community of Melbourne Vice President Anthea Sidiropoulos, and Sofia’s son Nonda with his partner Viviana.
The first part of the evening focused on recognising women’s achievements. Anemones President Nola Radiotis highlighted the importance of celebrating women’s contributions beyond International Women’s Day. She paid tribute to post-war migrant women, acknowledging their courage, strength, and resilience in building new lives in Australia.
“Some of these women are in our audience today, and in my opinion, they are the heroines of our generation,” Radiotis said.
The program also featured poetry readings, including original works by members Eva Karpetis and Irene Theos, honouring the power and perseverance of women.
The evening’s second half was dedicated to remembering Sofia Mastoris, a long-standing Anemones member and the founding president of the Hellenic Women’s Federation Victoria, where she served for 20 years.
In an emotional speech, current Hellenic Women’s Federation President Mary Lalios paid tribute to Sofia’s immense contributions, moving the audience to both tears and laughter with personal stories. Longtime friend Anthea Sidiropoulos also shared cherished memories of Sofia, reflecting on her legacy as a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for women’s rights.
A video and photo montage showcased Sofia’s remarkable life, while a candle was lit in her memory, symbolising her enduring presence.
The most poignant moment of the evening came when the Anemones danced ‘O Menousis,’ Sofia’s favourite traditional dance. Led by Dina Dimos, a fellow Epiriot, the dance served as a moving tribute, with many shedding tears for their late friend and mentor.
The evening concluded with refreshments, storytelling, and shared memories. In a final touching gesture, Anemones Vice President Fotini Mihalopoulos presented each participant with a flower—symbolic of Sofia’s love for gerberas.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
