Kyriakoula Samartzis

My name is David, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my best friend, Emmanuel, who is facing one of the most difficult moments of his life. Emmanuel recently lost his beloved mother, Kyriakoula Samartzis—affectionately known as Koula—who passed away at the age of 92 of dementia on the night of November 12, 2024.

Koula was born in 1932 in the town of Kritianou, Greece. She and Constantinos, fondly known as Con, lived their younger years through the challenges and hardships of World War II. Koula and Con were married in 1956 and soon after migrated to Australia in search of a better life, where they worked tirelessly to build their future. In 1978, they opened a scallop fishing business in Lakes Entrance, where they worked side by side, joined later by their son Emmanuel. While on the boat, Koula was known as the strongest on deck, facing every task—no matter how big—with unwavering determination and skill. Her hard work and commitment left an indelible mark on her family and the community around them.

Con passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer, leaving Emmanuel and Koula to rely on each other even more. Emmanuel became his mother’s full-time carer, dedicating himself to her well-being as she battled dementia. Just three months ago, Emmanuel suffered a heart attack, which made it impossible for him to continue caring for Koula. He was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to admit her into an aged care home, with the hope that once he recovered well enough, he could bring his mother back home.

The weight of this loss is immeasurable, but what makes it even harder is the financial burden Emmanuel now faces.

Koula did not have life or funeral insurance, nor did she have any savings. Emmanuel was not registered as his mother’s full-time carer with Centrelink, as he was erroneously advised by them that such support did not exist. He was simply doing what any devoted son would do by caring for his mother. This leaves him ineligible for financial assistance to cover her funeral expenses, despite being Kyriakoula’s son and primary caregiver.

Emmanuel has been given just two weeks to arrange and cover the costs of Koula’s funeral. I’m humbly asking for any support you can offer to help give Koula the farewell she deserves and to relieve Emmanuel from this overwhelming stress during his time of grief.