Eftichia Matalon

We sadly announce the passing of Eftichia "Effie" Matalon, a cherished member of Congregation Dorshei Emet, on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Born in Larissa, Greece, on September 7, 1929, Effie was a Holocaust survivor who exemplified resilience and courage.

Effie evaded capture during the Nazi occupation of Greece, a period when over 81% of the country’s Jewish population perished. Her survival and later achievements, including a Ph.D. in Psychology and over two decades of service at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, are a testament to her strength.

A poet who found her voice in later years, Effie published a bilingual book reflecting on her experiences and the Holocaust.  Effie became a cherished member of Congregation Dorshei Emet in 2017.  Her life story was the cornerstone of Kabbalat Shabbat around the world Greece in 2019, even though she was too ill to attend.

Effie is survived by two nephews in the US, who are unable to be here for her funeral. Effie was deeply committed to Jewish traditions and wanted to have a Jewish funeral with a minyan to recite the kaddish. The funeral will be held graveside, August 11, at 2:00 p.m.  at the Dorshei Emet Congregation Section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, 30 Elm Avenue, Beaconsfield.

We encourage you to attend as a mitzvah, honoring Effie’s extraordinary life and legacy.