6 days ago
Aussie mum-of-two's sudden death on Greek island baffles loved ones
An Australian mother-of-two who started convulsing and then died just two days into a five-week trip is being mourned by her devastated loved ones.
Queensland woman Emma Sophios, 47, had planned to spend over a month relaxing with her family on the Mediterranean island of Cythera.
But two days into her trip, the IGA worker suddenly started convulsing after she lay down to rest at a family member's home.
Her loved ones frantically called paramedics, but she sadly couldn't be saved.
'She landed over there... laid down at the family house, laid down and that's it,' her partner Evalyn Hart, also 47, told the Daily Mail.
Ms Hart said the mother-of-two had experienced health issues in the past but that her death had come as a total shock to her friends and family.
Ms Sophios had dedicated her life to raising her 22-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son, who battles primary lymphoedema in his face.
The genetic condition can cause swelling in various parts of the body, including the face and neck, and occurs when the lymphatic system doesn't develop properly.
'She was a bit of a centrifuge in their lives, and selfless in her own life. She worked at the IGA as a checkout person and lots of customers adored her,' Ms Hart said.
'She was a glowy, warm person who remembered people's stories and remembered little details of their lives. She had a gravity.'
Her former partner and father of her two children, Robert George, also paid tribute.
'Though Emma and I went our separate ways in life, she will always hold a profound place in my heart for the incredible role she played in bringing our children into this world. Her passing is an unthinkable loss,' he wrote.
Friend Kendyll Rivers wrote: '(Ms Sophios), a shining light in the lives of those who knew her, left this world far too soon. (It) was supposed to be a rejuvenating getaway to Greece, fate had other plans.'
Ms Rivers has organised a GoFundMe for Ms Sophios' family.
'(It) aims to support Emma's family during this unimaginably difficult time, covering funeral expenses and providing comfort as they navigate their profound loss,' she wrote.
