LYNN - Panagiota Souhleris (Mavrogiorgiou), Age 84, of Lynn, Massachusetts, died surrounded by her family, on February 29, 2020.

She was born in Pireaus, Greece on August 16, 1935 and was orphaned as a young child after losing both her parents to World War II. This experience shaped her into the nurturing wife, mother and grandmother that she became.

As a young woman, she worked as a surgical nurse assisting the leading doctors in Piraeus. Because of the long hours on her feet, she sought bespoke footwear to make her more comfortable; this is where she met the love of her life, Arthur Souhleris, in 1960. In 1962, they married in Melbourne, Australia. Together, Panagiota and Arthur built a life centered around their shared love of God, their Greek Orthodox faith, and their family. Panagiota was a woman of remarkable strength and courage, she was very warm and loving. Upon meeting any person, Panagiota always greeted them with a smile. She was the epitome of patience, acceptance and love.

Panagiota especially loved spending time at her home in Vrilissia, Greece with her husband. She enjoyed visiting the beautiful beaches of Greece, as she found spending time by the water to be very therapeutic. She particularly looked forward to when her children and grandchildren would come to visit her in Greece. She also loved to travel, bake, dance and watch classical movies. Panagiota had a tremendous interest in the well-being of her family and was extremely supportive. Panagiota was famous for her amazing spanakopita, galaktoboureko and tsoureki which her children and grandchildren would frequently request. She welcomed everyone who walked through her door with open arms and always offered something delicious to eat. She was truly special to all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Arthur Souhleris, their two children; Maria Souhleris Grous and her husband Bill Grous and Peter Souhleris and his wife, Desi. She is also survived by her three beautiful grandchildren, Constantina Chloe, Christiana and Athan, who remember her as a kind, light-hearted, playful and funny yiayia.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Panagiota's funeral service which will be celebrated at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S Common St., Lynn, on Thursday, March 5th at 10 A.M (Please meet directly at church). Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. A bereavement luncheon will be held at Anthony's Restaurant, 153 Humphrey St., Swampscott, immediately following her burial. Visiting hours will be held in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers on Wednesday, March 4th from 5 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Panagiota's memory to The Christian Angel Smile Foundation. http://christianangelsmile.org/donate2.html . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com .