In Memory

This article is in memory of a young woman who touched so many people in her life. Sofia Drouga
was creative, hard-working, beautiful, smart and giving. It took me while to know her on a personal level, but before we became friends she and her brother and sister were already part of my new life in Porto Heli. They have been running a very good bakery and catering business in Porto Heli, Ermioni and Kranidi (the near-by towns) for some time now, and all from a young age- the youngest, Athanasia, is now 26. Even before I knew who had the bakery in my town we used to go there and get cookies that were so good we'd bring them back to Athens or sometimes they wouldn't even make it that far! When we had our opening event for Blue Fig Art they catered the evening and we all loved how wonderful it turned out (they also catered for our Saudi exhibit because no one could have done it better). Of course Sofia was there the whole time working discreetly behind the food table even though she was in charge. Later on, Athanasia would bring her little Yorkie to play with mine and we got to now each other. She lovingly included me in her circle of friends and that is how I got to know her sister Sofia. I realized what a beautiful family they were through the memories and funny stories they shared with me and how they supported one another. Their commitment and self-discipline was admirable; how one of the siblings would cover for the other one and work double shifts or to hear Sofia talk about the ingredients she would choose for her desserts was inspiring.

Recently, Sofia also began teaching at a culinary institute in Athens and we were all so proud of her accomplishment. She was making changes in the world through her creativity and love for cooking. Her love for life and people also exuded from her personality, she loved to dress up, go out and have fun. She didn't let the world get in the way of her plans and that is why I loved her with all my heart. Sofia passed away two weeks ago but her warm eyes, big smile, and even bigger heart will always be alive for me.