Former Eastbourne MP pays tribute to 'much loved matriarch' of Eastbourne restaurant
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Stella Augoustri, matriarch of the Athens Greek Restaurant, passed away and former MP Stephen Lloyd has lead the tributes.
Mr Lloyd said: “(Stella was) A tremendous lady who was the much loved matriarch of the super folk who own the Athens Greek Restaurant in Terminus Rd. Cherine and I have been regular customers for nigh on twenty years and got to know Stella, her daughter Helen (and son Steven who was a stalwart in the kitchen with Stella for six months of the year), Helen’s husband Steve and all the Florides. A really lovely family.
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Hide Ad“Stella, or Momma as I used to call her, was. cooking up brilliant food right to the end. Only two weeks before she died as I was passing the restaurant I popped in to say hello, which I often did, and there she was as per. Sleeves rolled up in her black dress working away, full of energy and smiles preparing yet another meal for a lucky customer.
“Stella lived for her family, her work and the Church and all with a love and a commitment that was still going strong in her early eighties. An inspiration, bless her…..
“Then a few days ago, out of the blue, Helen called me to say that she had passed away. I was shocked. So very quick. Dear o dear o dear
“It was a privilege for Cherine and I to attend the funeral at the Greek Orthodox Church, and afterward the Wake at the restaurant. Both were absolutely packed. Family, friends, long-standing customers, all had come to pay their respects. Stella was much loved across a wide breadth of Eastbourne, and beyond.
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Hide Ad“She and her husband, Takis, who I’m told was also a really good guy, first opened Athens in 1964 and it has become a feature for local residents and visitors ever since. Deservedly so!
“Stella Augoustri - you left wonderfully positive footprints on the sands of life’s beach, and in Eastbourne. It was an honour for me to have got to know you.
“Cherine and I send our deepest condolences to all the family.”