Athina Tsourou was born in Alexandria, Egypt on November 14, 1932 to her parents Georgos and Pipina Tsourou. Athina was one of seven children, she treasured her four sisters and two brothers. Spending time with family was the most important thing in her life.
She eventually moved to Johannesburg, South Africa where she continued her education became an orthopedic surgeon. She met and married her husband, Jakob Edelson and they had one child, Evangelie. After her husband died she spent time traveling all over the world, especially to her beloved Greece. She eventually moved to Zurich, Switzerland to live close to her daughter and help her raise her young child. There she met her second husband George Contokostas and they eventually moved to the heart of Munich, Germany, where they ran their treasured and beautiful boutique hotel. After 20 years she retired and came to live with her daughter in Texas. While in America she was greeted by her great grand-daughter and two great grand-sons in whom she took much delight. She enjoyed Greek music, creating delicious meals for her family, playing with her great grandchildren and keeping up with current events in Greece. She was a loving and caring Mama, Yaya and Yaka. A woman of wisdom and faith. After a life full of wonderful adventures, on February 6, 2024, she passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 91 years old.
She is survived by her daughter Evangelie Sturgeon, her grandchildren Christoph Gertsch, Jamil Haydous and Athina Haydous, her great grandchildren Jayde Haydous, Oliver Gertsch and Indy Gertsch.