Panagiota Kripotos

Born on April 5, 1954, in Gerakion, Greece, Pota was the beloved daughter of Konstantinos and Diamanto Kourlas. She spent her childhood in the village that would forever remain close to her heart before moving to Montreal, Canada, where she married her husband of over 40 years, Christos Kripotos. Together they later settled in Stanhope, New Jersey, where they raised their family and built a home for more than twenty years. In 2006, they relocated to Brooksville, Florida, where Pota lived for the remainder of her life. Her beloved husband, Christos, preceded her in death in 2016.

Before retiring, Pota worked as a bank teller for Regions Bank, where she enjoyed helping customers and formed many lasting friendships. She was known for her warm smile, generous heart, and genuine kindness toward everyone she met.

Family was the center of Pota’s world. She found her greatest happiness in being a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She treasured every opportunity to gather with her loved ones, whether it was sharing a meal, celebrating life’s milestones, or simply spending time together.

She especially loved Christmas. The holiday season filled her home with warmth, tradition, and excitement, and creating joyful memories for her family was one of her greatest pleasures. She also cherished the time she spent with her sisters, whose bond remained one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Anyone fortunate enough to sit at Pota’s table knew they would never leave hungry. Her famous Greek potatoes were a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals, lovingly prepared and eagerly anticipated by everyone who had the privilege of enjoying them.

Those who knew Pota will remember her for many things—her incredible generosity, her unwavering love for her family, and, yes, her legendary stubbornness. She stood firmly by the people and things she believed in, a trait that became one of the qualities her family affectionately admired most. She also had a remarkable ability to find joy in life’s simplest moments. Whether it was sharing coffee with family, laughing over a conversation, decorating for Christmas, cooking for those she loved, or simply enjoying an ordinary day together, she reminded those around her that happiness didn’t require grand occasions.

Pota is survived by her daughters, Argyro “Argie” Cilmi and her husband, Anthony, of Brooksville, Florida, and Diamanto “Manta” Kripotos and her husband, Joseph Schwab, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida; her beloved grandchildren, Sophia Cilmi, Anthony “AJ” Cilmi, and Zoe Schwab; and her sisters, Katerina Piloura and Anna Kourla. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends in the United States, Greece, and Canada who will forever cherish her memory.

Although her passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love she gave, the traditions she created, and the example she set will live on through the family she adored. Her strength, generosity, resilience, and deep pride in her Greek heritage will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

May her memory be eternal.

Αἰωνία της ἡ μνήμη.