Athena "Tina" Panayoton

Athena Panayoton, age 87 of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on September 12 surrounded by family.

Born in a small village in Vlasti, Greece, her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1951 shortly after the devastation of World War II and established a home in Saint Paul. She graduated from Mechanic Arts High School and then eventually married and had 3 children. She worked as a cashier at UNIVAC but then became a bank teller at Western Bank (University Avenue), working there for over 30 years until she retired.

She was a quiet but strong-willed woman, with a gentle kindness, always putting others before herself. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow, encouraging them to embrace life, not be afraid of anything, and not to worry about the small things.

You never left her house without a container of cookies, rolls, or her delicious banana bread. Many times, before a visit to her house, your favorite treat would have been freshly baked and packed up ready to be sent home with you. Plus, she was a gifted seamstress, mending any clothing, hemming pants, making baby blankets, even knitting or crocheting scarves. Many kitchens have been blessed with her handmade towels and cloths over the years. It was her joy to do that for her family.

She also loved to cook during the holidays, making wonderful meals topped off with plenty of cookies and baklava. For New Year’s Day, she always had the pita ready with the silver coin hidden inside, wondering who will get good luck for the year.

Her days were filled by playing cribbage and doing puzzles with her friends, and the occasional card game of King’s in the Corner with the family. She also had the magic touch when it came to plants and flowers, her house and deck were filled with them.

To know her was to know someone cared for you deeply and was always cheering you on, celebrating every success and loving you through the tough times.

She will be deeply missed, but her strong spirit lives on in all of us.

God rest her soul.

Athena is preceded in death by her daughter, Mary P. Mulder; her mother, Elene G. Pappas; and her father, George Roungou. She is survived by her son, Dimitrios Panayoton; daughter, Helen (Tim) Kappers; son-in-law, Doug (Beth) Mulder; grandchildren, Jake (Megan) and Kate Mulder, Matina and Isak Kappers, and Lindsey Savage; and her great-grandchildren, Kylie and Jaden Savage, and Beau Mulder.

Visitation will be held at 10 AM on Friday, September 25 at MUELLER MEMORIAL 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake with a Funeral Service beginning at 11 AM. Luncheon to follow. The Graveside Service will take place at 1:30 PM at WITHROW CEMETERY 122nd Street N, Hugo.