Panagiota "Penny" Migas

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Panagiota “Penny” Migas.

Penny was born on May 4, 1928, in the remote mountainous village of Paparis, Greece. In 1960, she and her husband, Vasilios (predeceased in 2016), courageously immigrated to Canada with their seven-year-old son, Theodore. They arrived on a cold, snowy January day aboard the transatlantic ship SS Olympia, docking at Pier 21 in Halifax.

Like many immigrants, Penny and her family faced early struggles with language and finances. Determined and resourceful, she helped support her family by establishing a small seamstress business in their Barrington Street apartment. With time, Penny and Vasilios combined their love of hospitality and passion for authentic Greek cuisine to open the award-winning restaurant Old Man Morias, which they proudly operated for nearly 25 years.

Beyond her work, Penny’s greatest devotion was to her family and her faith. Her church was a constant source of strength and joy. She rarely missed a service, often lending her voice to the choir, leading hymns, baking bread for religious celebrations, and sharing her talents during Greek festivals, she was also a longstanding member of Philoptochos (the Ladies Auxiliary).

Penny is survived by her sons Theodore (Anne) and Christo (Terrance); her cherished grandchildren Vasilios Dadaelus (Kailee) and Tassia (Shawn); and her much-loved great-grandchildren Luna, Felix, little Theo, and Vinny. She will be remembered always as a strong, loving woman whose presence was a blessing to all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Vincent’s Nursing Home for their compassion and care during Penny’s three years there. Deep gratitude also goes to Natasha Kakamousias, who lovingly supported her every step of the way.

Visitation will be held at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, on Thursday, September 18th , 6-8 pm.

A funeral service will take place at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, 1146 Purcell Cove Road, Halifax, on Friday, September 19th at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent’s Nursing Home (Recreational Therapy), the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, or St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.