Georgia Panagopoulos

On Monday, November 1, 2021, Georgia Panagopoulos – beloved mother, wife, aunt, sister, and friend - passed on from this life. Words come to mind and yet are difficult to express the emotions each of us is feeling. Georgia was born in Skoura, Sparta, Greece on May 28, 1944. She loved her hometown and would always recall her youth and the many people whom she cared and loved. By the age of 14, she became an unbelievably accomplished baker. Georgia brought this talent with her when she immigrated to New York in 1965 as a 21-year-old. In NY, she became very involved with her church and within a few years married her beloved husband, Dimitrios, in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Georgia was blessed with two sons, Konstantinos and Christos. She adored her sons. In 1981, she and her young family made the permanent move to Northern Virginia. She and her husband eventually became partners in The Four Seasons Diner in Alexandria. Georgia, once again, immersed herself in church life at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church and with the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Over the years, she was a Parish Council member for many years and was also the Ladies Philoptochos President. Georgia was tireless! There wasn’t a person in need that she didn’t help. There wasn’t a church fundraiser where she didn’t focus her energy to make everything happen as it should. She was the first to volunteer. One of the many memories people have shared is when the church festivals still functioned from the small kitchen in what is now known as Chelpon Hall. Georgia would be found prepping, baking, and cooking for weeks prior to the festival start. On the day, the festival would open to the public, Georgia would run out of the kitchen with her apron on at the sound of the band starting to play their music and would lead the line in the first dance. She was dynamic and bold. She was a force to be reckoned with. For all her dedication to faith, family and friends, Georgia was also very much loved. She was respected and people would follow her lead. If Georgia set a goal, you’d better believe that she would accomplish it! So many people can recall when her church was fundraising to build the new Hellenic Center. Well, Georgia personally helped raise over $1M for the new building. She also made sure to build a church dedicated to Saint Rafael and Saint Katherine back in her hometown of Skoura with the help of friends and her own funds. Georgia was a dynamic woman who left a permanent mark on all those she encountered. There was a private side to her so many of us had the privilege of knowing. Her sense of humor was second to none. She could make your laugh and cry with just a few words. There wasn’t a neighbor who didn’t know her and for whom she didn’t bake for! And, if you just happened to mention you loved one of her baked goodies there would suddenly be a package of those same goodies being sent to you hundreds of miles away. There wasn’t a person she didn’t know by name. There was so much laughter and so much teaching at the same time. I personally recall her tenacity, her immense pride and love for her boys and her unwavering faith in God. She believed deeply and strongly. And she loved the same way. Her strong faith led her to be a Godmother to so many children. Her loyalty was outstanding, and her friendships have proven their love for her. Georgia will be missed greatly but will always be remembered with laughter on our lips and admiration in our hearts and minds. She was a Skouraia Powerhouse! Georgia was preceded in death by her brothers Panayiotis, Thanasis, Konstandinos and her beloved nephew, Kiriakos. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dimitrios, of 53 years; her cherished sons, Konstantinos (Dino) and Christos; her daughter-in-law, Kelly (Dino); brother, Petros Anagnostopoulos and his wife, Sophia; sister, Dina Amanatidis and her husband, Spiros of Skoura; plus, many nieces and nephews. A private viewing will be held on Monday, November 8, 2021, from 10:30am – 11am; and a public viewing from 11am – 12pm. The funeral service will begin at 12pm at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041. Internment will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church or Saint Katherine Ladies Philoptochos Society. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-fh.com for the Panagopoulos family.