Penelope Panidis, 87, passed away in her daughter’s home in Franklin MA, Saturday December 28th, 2024 and joined her husband George.
A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to Nuri, she passed quietly surrounded at her bed side by her two children Areti and Anestis.
Penelope was one of five children, Dimitris, Thanasis, Alexandros and Despina from parents George and Panagiota Zisopoulos (Kotoulas).
Born in Kiparissi Grevena, Greece, immigrated to the United States in 1971 with her husband George and their two children, Areti and Anestis, where they settled in Lowell MA, USA.
George and Penelope’s hopes of moving to America with their children for a better future was realized in having a home, an extended family and here are their words...
Daughter Areti,
Holding my mama’s hands after she passed. I was mesmerized. I couldn’t let go .Thinking of what they meant to me.
Gentle hands,
Caring hands,
Feeding, washing, helping hands. Patient hands,
Teaching hands,
Trusting, guiding, willing hands.
Soft hands,
Healing hands,
Caressing, protecting, loving hands,
My Mother's hands.
I will love you forever!
Son in law Vernon,
Like ‘my big fat Greek wedding’ I was originally thought of as ‘Xenos’ when I met Areti’s mother. But it didn’t take long before YiaYia started calling me her “Armenaki” and like a second son I could do no wrong...Mom, thank you for your unconditional love and support.
Daughter in law Silvia,
When I think about Penelope, I remember all those times we had together laughing until we cried. My own mother told me years ago that Penny and I seemed more like mother daughter than we did. And that’s exactly how I felt. Thank you for showing me what unconditional love looks like.
Granddaughter Penelope,
“My Penelope” the two Penelope’s, she would always say. I am blessed to have lived amongst and share the name of someone so gentle and strong. Thank you for everything that you have given and done for us Yiayia. Rest well.
Granddaughter Anastasia,
I’ll always remember how you called me your agapimou (your love). You were always incredibly sweet with me Yia Yia. I hope it’s a trait I’ll learn to carry throughout my life, and to pass it to my children and grandchildren. I love you.
Grandson Charles,
Yiayia’s kindness and generosity were unmatched. She was always there to support her loved ones in any capacity, and her unwavering spiritual faith was a blessing to us all. Thank you for being a guiding light in my life.
Grandson Nikos,
Memories of Loving and Nurturing breathed and weaved into my soul from you Yiayia. I love you.
Nephew George Zisopoulos,
Thia,one word, and only wonderful and sweet memories. Although the distance between us was big, our hearts were as close as they could be. She was spoiling me as a child and was a wonderful companion through long sessions of coffee and talking as an adult, always sharing her hard earned experiences to make me a better person. Never short on love and emotions. I love you and I'll miss you.
Son Anestis
I was her ‘Leventi’ and realized deep peace and joy with each other while of course always continuing to tell me ‘to do’ and ‘how to do’ better :-) Mama, I love you and you always live in my memories with your strength, dedication and unyielding virtues.
Her wake is at 10am followed by a funeral service at 11am on Thursday January 2nd, 2025, in the Church of St George Greek Orthodox Church 44 Princeton Blvd. Lowell MA. Burial will be private at Union Street Cemetery in Franklin MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given or sent to St, George Orthodox Church 44 Princeton Blvd. Lowell MA in memory of Penny Panidis or to a favorite charity in her name.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Panidis family.
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com