Asemina (Parafestas) Panagiotou, 85, of Worcester passed away on Thursday, June 30th in Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with her loving family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Panos Panagiotou, and her five daughters; Martha Carr and her husband, Russ; Athena Grace Georgiadis and her husband, Petros; Patricia Papalilo and her husband, Sotir; Connie Hackenson and her husband, Robert; and Liz Panagiotou and her wife, Nichole. She is also survived by her sister, Margarita Panagopoulos; her brother, Anastasios Parafestas and his wife, Georgia; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Chryssawge Lykopoulos and Elizabeth Nikiforakis.
Asemina was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, the daughter of George and Paraskevi (Menegatou) Parafestas. She immigrated at the age of sixteen from Thessaloniki to New York where she worked in the garment district. Asemina married the love of her life, Panos, and later moved to Worcester where they raised their five loving daughters. She then worked for Astra Pharmaceuticals as a control supervisor. She was a lifetime member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Ladies Philoptochos Society, and the Daughters of Penelope.
Asemina took pride in her garden planting flowers and growing vegetables. And above all, Asemina was proud of and loved her family. She loved to cook, especially traditional Greek dishes to bring her family together for gatherings. Her greatest joy was time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; with them she shared extra sweets, loving embraces, her wonderful sense of humor, and all of her favorite childhood stories.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 6th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with her funeral service at 10:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 5th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or contributions may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609, Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverely Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.