Obituary of Tula Allison

ALLISON, TULA BOUKYDIS JULY 6, 1923 - JULY 18, 2016 Tula Allison, who retained, to the end of her life, her inimitable humour, charm, expressions of love for others, independent spirit and abiding love of politics and public life, and, whose well-known beauty was still evident at age ninety-three, died on Monday. She will be sorely missed by her family and all those many others who loved her genuine goodness. Even with the illness that eventually felled her, and a knee that pained her, she walked up and down stairs and did errands until almost the very end, and when asked how she was doing would invariably and cheerfully say "not bad for an old girl." She was predeceased by her dear husband, George Allison, who died in 1996 and felt fortunate to have a loving and close relationship with her sister, Gina, with whom she lived happily at her home for the past five years. Besides Gina, she is survived by her sister, Anita Mantzavinos (Andoni), her son John Allison (Raluca) and her daughter Diane Volgyesi (Angelo) as well as her grandsons Raleigh and Percy Allison, nephew George Mantzavinos (Alexandra) and niece Ariane Mantzavinos (Alexis). Her brother George Boukydis predeceased her in 2005, survived by his wife Margaret. Born in Toronto, she was the eldest daughter of Gus and Dina Boukydis, the founders of Diana Sweets Restaurants which, for many years, served as a popular gathering place for many Torontonians. A graduate of Havergal College (Toronto) and MacDonald College (Montreal), Tula spent most of her adult life in Montreal with her husband and children and embraced its vibrant, European sensibility. Like so many of her generation, she had a clear sense of her own values and adhered to them. She prized family, friendship, honesty and hard work. Tula cut a striking and unique presence. Although never flamboyant, she was elegant and glamorous. She possessed exceptional flair and an appreciation for beautiful antiques, art and furnishings. Her home exemplified exquisite taste and refinement. She was, however, characteristically modest about her discerning eye and her creative talents. Always curious and inquiring about the world around her, Tula had a voracious interest in current affairs, politics and historical biographies. Reading and watching the news were daily rituals, right to the end of her life; so much so that her first words to her sister Gina upon waking on June 24 were: "Are the Brits in or out?" Our family would like to express particular heartfelt thanks to Tula's dear sister Gina for her singular devotion, generosity, caring and kindness to Tula. We are, also, very grateful to Dr. Dominic Li, his excellent staff at Virtual Wellness Institute, Dr. Mark Bernstein and his team of palliative care physicians, Elham Kassim RN, of Toronto's Community Care Access Centre, all, for their exemplary care. We thank the many fine Personal Support Workers who looked after Tula in her last days. There will be a private service held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, or to St. Elizabeth, provider of quality home health care, would be much appreciated. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.