Obituary: Evelyn Panasis, 89, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Evelyn Panasis, 89, of Danbury entered into eternal life at her home surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 29, 2023. Her heart was truly complete again as her beloved sister, Mary, embraced her with open arms as she entered the gates of heaven.

Evelyn was born on June 9, 1933, in Danbury to Ioanna (Vassiliou) and Constantinos (Charles) Panasis. Her parents arrived in the United States through Ellis Island as immigrants and Evelyn beamed with pride when she spoke of the incredible life they worked tirelessly to achieve and the strong values that were instilled in her, her sister Mary, and her brother, Nelos.

Evelyn lived her life to the fullest with her deepest passion being first and foremost, her family, accompanied by her faith and deeply instilled Greek Orthodox traditions.

Upon graduation from Danbury High School in 1951, Evelyn began her career as a legal secretary to George Papazoglou, Esq. It was truly a simpler time in “Old Danbury” and she shared many wonderful relationships with other attorneys and secretaries. She held much pride in her position and the fact that she learned the law firsthand from her boss, Attorney Papazoglou. Evelyn retired as a legal secretary in June 1998, after 47 years of service to the Danbury community.

Never missing a beat, Evelyn continued her career as a cashier at JK’s Restaurant in Danbury, loving every minute of it working and helping her family. She always took the utmost pride in teaching many young people a strong work ethic and that there’s only one way to do your job – “The Right Way.” She met an endless amount of lovely customers throughout the years and genuinely enjoyed great conversations. As a “People Person,” you could always find her working the polls at election time.

Evelyn was a lifetime member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Danbury. Evelyn’s love for her church community was exemplified through her service in the Daughters of Penelope and the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Her biggest honor was to co-chair the first Assumption Greek Orthodox Greek Festival on Farview Avenue, Danbury, with her friend, John Rountos. They worked together for 5 years to lay the foundation for many years to come.

Evelyn experienced much joy and happiness in living a rewarding life. Her love of travel took her to many places throughout Europe and the United States; her most treasured always was the time she spent on her 11 trips to Greece. Her heart was free there! It was her “Happy Place.”
As we celebrate the life of our beloved “Ant” Ev, we will forever remember and carry her advice in our hearts….

“Always tell the truth; it will keep you in a good place down the road”
“Reality is Reality – Deal With It”
“Always carry a nice pocketbook and wear a beautiful pair of shoes and you will look sharp”

She is survived by three nephews, George Koukos and his wife Judy, Peter Koukos and his wife Lisa and Charles Panasis, a niece Karen Panasis Lindstrom, great nephew John Koukos and his wife Amanda, great nieces Kristen Mary Roberts and her husband Matthew, Alexis Koukos, Ashley Welp and her husband Rocky, Alyssa Tamburri and her husband Jason, and great great nephews Logan George Koukos, Benjamin George Koukos, and Ryan Matthew Roberts.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Mary and John Koukos, her brother Nelos Panasis and by her beloved fiancée George Kombolis.

The Rite of Burial will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Rd., Danbury. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. The family will receive friends at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.