Obituary of Loula Zografos

ZOGRAFOS, Stavroula (Loula) (nee Galineas).

Was born in 1936 in Xirokambi, Sparta Greece, from very humble beginnings.  In 1952, at the age of 16, she immigrated to Canada with a dream of a “better life” and in search of endless opportunities.  Despite the language barrier, Loula enrolled in hairdressing school and graduated in 1956.  Her unwavering determination and strong work ethic enabled her to achieve her dream of working in the beauty industry.  In 1957, at 21 years of age, she opened Loula’s Hairstyling on Macdonell Street in downtown Guelph, becoming a proud small business owner-a significant achievement not only for a new Canadian citizen but also for a woman in the 1950’s. 

In the winter of 1960, while attending a friend’s wedding, Loula caught the eye of Angelo Zografos.  He won her heart and after a brief period of dating, they married in July of 1961.  Angelo was the absolute love of her life and the two have been married for almost 63 years. 

After several successful years as a hairdresser, Loula, unfortunately, developed severe allergies to the chemicals used in the hair products from that era, forcing her to sell the salon.  Loula and Angelo began searching for their new adventure and travelled from city to city looking for a new business venture.  After witnessing the joy families experienced spending time together golfing, they fell in love with the concept of a family golf centre. They dreamed of bringing this idea to their hometown community of Guelph.  In 1967, they purchased a large piece of land in Puslinch Township (now South Guelph) at the intersection of Clair Road and Gordon Street with the goal of creating a golf recreation centre-a place for family fun.  That fall, they opened The Pergola. Despite the challenges of the early years, their dedication and perseverance paid off, and The Pergola eventually thrived and continued to grow serving many regular customers at their family restaurant and golf rec centre.  Their dream of creating a place where families could gather in fun came to fruition and they served their Guelph community proudly for 40 years.  One of Loula’s roles at The Pergola involved distributing clubs and putters to customers at the clubhouse.  Many fondly remember her as the lady who provided equipment for their first dates, birthday parties and family gatherings.  One was wise however to not misjudge her 5’ stature, although small in size, was mighty and could take on any challenge that arose.  She ran a tight ship but also had a heart of gold.  Still, nearly 20 years later, when out running errands about town, she would be recognized by many as she would evoke such fond memories of special times spent at The Pergola.

Her children, Tony and Kathy, grew up in the family business, eventually working alongside their parents and developing a love for the business their parents built. Loula’s ultimate goal of a true family business was realized with her family by her side every step of the way.

After many years in business, working countless hours with little time off, Loula and Angelo decided to make The Pergola seasonal.  With winters off, they finally had the opportunity  to travel. They took severa trips to Greece, Hawaii, and Mexico, but Florida eventually became their favourite, becoming a second home.  Loula was always happiest in Clearwater with Angelo, enjoying the company of friends and visiting family and would often be seen walking along the beach; one of her favourite things to do. Clearwater is where they spent many winters, epitomizing the Canadian snowbird lifestyle.

In retirement, Loula found joy in preparing elaborate Greek meals for holidays and hosting summer barbecues for her family. Her greatest happiness came from having her children and grandchildren by her side.  Her love and devotion were evident until the very end, always offering advice and wisdom, with gratitude, compassion and generosity being central to her nature.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Loula passed away peacefully with her entire family by her side, reflecting the love and devotion she had instilled in them.

Loula is survived by her loving husband of 63 years. Angelo, her two children, Tony (Susan Hamilton) and Kathy (John Holford), and her adored grandchildren, Stephanie, Evan, Spencer, and Lazarus.  She is predeceased by her father, Vasilios Galineas (1936), and her mother, Katerini (Bobotsis) (1978).

She also leaves behind her brothers, Sam Galineas (Kaliopi 1997) and George Galineas (Fevronia), her sister-in-law, Stavroula Pappas (George 1996), and her nieces, nephews, godchildren and many friends.

The care and comfort she received from the chemo clinic at Guelph General Hospital and Hospice Wellington made her cancer journey more bearable.  Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and PSWs who assisted in her care, with special mention to Dr. Lindsay Evans, who put Loula at ease throughout the process. We are deeply grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Guelph General Hospital, Hospice Wellington, or St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.

Visitation will be held at the Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, 50 Dovercliffe Road, Guelph Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph.