Last of the famous ‘Lesvos grandmothers’ dies aged 93

·

Emilia Kamvysi, the last of the three iconic grandmothers of Lesvos island who became a symbol of solidarity during Greece’s refugee crisis in 2015, has died at the age of 93.

Emilia, along with Efstratia and Maritsa Mavrapidou, became famous when a local photographer captured them helping a young Syrian mother who had just landed on the shores of Lesvos after making the treacherous crossing from Turkey.

Despite their advanced ages, Emilia, Efstratia and Maritsa went down to the shore daily to help other volunteers assist the refugees who were arriving at the time.

Efstratia Mavrapidou and Emilia Kamvysi meet the Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in 2020. Credit: Katerina Sakellaropoulou / Facebook.

All three were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016.

Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, had the privilege of meeting Emilia and Efstratia at their homes in 2020, along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maritsa died in January 2019 at the age of 92 and her cousin Efstratia passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.

Source: SKAI.gr.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece suspends asylum applications on Crete amid migrant surge from Libya

Greece has temporarily suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving on the island of Crete, following a surge in arrivals from Libya.

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

You May Also Like

Macarthur FC’s Apostolos Giannou: ‘It will be a great stepping stone for my career’

Macarthur FC have confirmed the signing of Apostolos Giannou for the remainder of their 2021-22 A-League campaign.

Canberra blanketed in blue in celebration of Greek Independence Day

Canberra embraced its Greek heritage with the local Greek community marking Greek Independence Day through a series of events.

NSW Government take steps to fix cemeteries mess

The NSW Government has begun addressing the challenges around cemeteries and crematoria policy inherited from the previous government.