Toula J. Gost

Toula J. Gost (neé Panagiota Dedi), age 92, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Columbus Alzheimer Care Center surrounded by the love of family and the caregivers who supported her during a long journey living with dementia. She and her husband, John J. Gost (neé Yiannis Konstantoyiannis), immigrated to the US from Greece to build a beautiful life together and to bring the best that life had to offer to their children. Passionate, courageous, and strong-willed, she was the perfect match to her husband's gentle, generous, and gracious spirit. Their children were blessed with truly extraordinary parents and role models.
Toula was known for loving her family fiercely. She never hesitated to make sacrifices for them unconditionally. She was an exceptional cook, never letting anyone go hungry or without something delicious to take home with them, and she was renowned especially for her Greek pastries (although truly renowned for all her food). Whether in their home or in their business, Gost's Men's Wear, both she and her husband exemplified the core Greek value of philoxenía, always welcoming and generous to those who entered. She was a masterful seamstress who could alter clothing with exquisite detail and perfection. Her customers sought out her skills even after she retired. She loved to share stories, song, and laughter with good company. She loved and lived life to the fullest.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Vasilis and Dina; her devoted husband, John; her loving son, George J. Gost; and siblings, Yiannis Dedis, Stavroula Barla, and Theodoros Dedis. She is survived by her adoring daughter, Dena J. Gost; her faithful brother, Fotis Dedis (Greece); her beloved niece, Jenny Barla (Greece); her dearest nephew, Kostas Barlas (Greece); her chosen daughter, Linda Jakes; and numerous extended relatives and friends.
The calling hour will take place at 9:30 am on Friday, August 9, 2024, at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio, 43215, with the funeral service taking place immediately following at 10:30 am. Father Demetrios Gardikes will be officiating. Interment to follow at Mound View Cemetery in Mt. Vernon at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Toula's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
May her memory be eternal.