The Lord Kelvin Elementary School community is mourning the death of a woman who served as a guardian to students for many years.
Mary Tsoupakis, who worked as a crossing guard at the school for many years, passed away Nov. 1 after a battle with cancer. She was 60.
“Mary's life centered around family, community, and cheering on the Canucks. We will always remember her as a strong, caring and selfless lady who put others first and was always there with open arms,” said an obituary published in the Record. “She touched so many people in so many ways in her short life time.”
Tsoupakis, who worked in local schools for more than two decades, was an icon at the corner of 10th Street and Seventh Avenue, where she greeted students and parents every morning and afternoon for many years. A plaque on a poll at the crosswalk now refers to it as Mary’s Corner.
About 300 people gathered at Lord Kelvin on Nov. 18 for a celebration of Tsoupakis’s life - a testament to the connections she made during her years as a crossing guard at the school.
“Whether she realized this or not, Mary was a weaver. She listened, she watched, she remembered all the threads of our community, weaving a rich fabric that enveloped us all,” said Wendy Harris, who spoke at the gathering. “She was warmth and inclusiveness. She was a steward of all our selves, rejoicing in our happiness, suffering in our pain, giving us the strength we needed to carry on. Our Mary was a treasure.”
With Tsoupakis stationed on 10th Street and Seventh Avenue, parents knew an extra set of eyes was watching out for their children’s well-being.
Tsoupakis, a longtime New Westminster resident, is survived by her husband of 40 years, George, and her three children, Denise (Ken), Kostas (Katie), and Yorgia, three older brothers, nieces and nephews.
Eagles welcome Santa
The Eagles are hoping to make Christmas a little merrier for some local kids.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles #20 New Westminster’s ladies auxiliary is having its annual Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 707 12th St. The party, which is open to kids up to 10 years of age, incudes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ralph the Elf, as well as Happy and Yappy balloon clowns.
Pre-registration is a must as Santa has gifts and treats for the children. Coffee and sweets will be available for parents.
Not an Eagle? Not to worry, this party is open to everyone and it’s free.
Don’t forget your pets this Christmas
You’ll find all sorts of gift Fifi and Fido at the Sixth Street Pop Up & Gallery.
The pop-up shop and gallery has hosted everything from art exhibits to clothing sales, but it’s going to the dogs (and cats) next week when the Pop Up Pet Shoppe presents local, handmade products for your pets. You’ll also have a chance to get a picture with Santa Paws, with proceeds going to the New Westminster Animal Shelter.
It’s taking place on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 42 Sixth St.
For more information, visit thepopupbetshoppe.com or contact [email protected] or 604-456-0150.
Still on the topic of animals, Mindful Mutts & Bosley’s in Columbia Square are doing a charity donation drive for HugABull Rescue and Advocacy Society. You can pop by anytime up until Dec. 18 to make a donation.
Quayside Sale helps out Group of Five
The Quayside Boardwalk and Sale generated $1,600 for the Group of Five and Fiends.
James Crosty, senior event organizer and past president of the Quayside Community Board, recently presented Group of Five founder Gerda Suess with a $1,600 cheque. The money was raised at a raffle at the ninth annual sale on Aug. 22.
“The Group of Five is grateful for the generosity and support of the residents in the Quayside and Quayside Community Board,” Suess said in a press release. “The money will be spent on a children’s play area with monkey mural in Royal Columbian Hospital.”
At the boardwalk festival and sale, volunteers sold out of tickets for the raffle, which featured raffle prizes and certificates contributed by 30 New Westminster businesses.
