Frances Panagopoulos

Frances Panagopoulos passed away at the Windsor House of Canfield, on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. She was surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle to overcome health issues, including Scleroderma. Frances was born June 9, 1929, in Warren, OH, the daughter of James and Mary (Kondoleon) Cominos. Her zest for life, work ethic and giving spirit inspired all who knew her. Family, friends, churches and numerous charitable organizations were all benefactors of her kindness and generosity.  She would always be the first one to deliver a meal to a sick friend and the first to arrange a fun “get-together” with her entire extended family.
She was an active member of various organizations, including the Scleroderma Foundation, St. John Philoptochos society, St. John & St. Nicholas Seniors, G.A.Y., and E.A.D. She started a Dinner Club which has lasted for over of 60 years, participated for many years in a Wednesday night bowling league. And as many know, two of her favorite activities were BINGO nights around town and the occasional trip to the casino. She was known to many as both the “Cookie Lady” and “Mrs. Kodak”.  Her specialty cookies (koulouria) were a must at every occasion. And you could be assured that the event would be recorded with pictures from her trusty disposable cameras!
Frances was a pioneer for women in the workplace, being one of the first women hired at the Lordstown Assembly Plant, retiring after 22 years of service. She has remained friends for the past 25 years with many of her co-workers. She deeply cherished her Greek heritage and volunteered countless hours for all the local Greek & Russian Orthodox churches.  She was especially known for successfully organizing the kitchen and all the food preparation for over 25 years at the St. John Greek Orthodox Glendi. One of her proudest moments was being honored as the 1st Women Recipient of the Greek Orthodox Photios Award by the Metropolitan of Pittsburgh Archbishop Savas. Her boundless love and energy inspired and touched many generations.  She leaves us all with the priceless happy memories of family get-togethers, holidays, annual vacations and life celebrations.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Leni (Ron) Schulz of Lake Milton; son Tom (Georgann) Panagopoulos, Canfield, daughter Mariann (Kevin) Boyanowski, Charlotte, N.C., a brother, Manny (Geri) Cominos; grandchildren, Jennifer Beaulieu (John Nobel), Tom (Jess) Panagopoulos III, Ron Cabuno, Kelli Cabuno, David Schulz, Mariann ( Ralph) DeCapua, David & Melissa Padgett, Chris & Jennifer Mullane, Rick & Cara Vernal; great grandchildren, Mario and Alex Beaulieu, Isla and Lily Panagopoulos, Ella Vernal, Andrew, Lauren and Katie Padgett and Ava and Addilyn Mullane,  Godchildren, John Morris, Gus Stratakis, Laurie Housemeyer;  and many nieces, nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Helen and Anthony Mamonis.
Friends may call Friday, January 26th from 4-7 PM at the Vaschak- Kirila Funeral Home, 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown, OH, and on Saturday at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 4955 Glenwood Ave., Boardman, OH from 10:30 - 11:00 with Funeral Services at 11.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate nursing and health care staff at the Cleveland Clinic Vascular Department and the Windsor House of Canfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Scleroderma, Ohio Chapter, PO Box 107 Pataskala, OH  43062 or St. John Greek Orthodox Church Restoration Fund

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances Panagopoulos, please visit our floral store.