Magdalen K. Pandazi “Maggie”

(Nee Kopenitsi)Peacefully entered eternal life on October 30, 2015, to join her beloved Andrew on his birthday.

Born on November 2, 1923 to Greek immigrants, the late Sophia and Thomas Kopenitsi; loving and respectful wife of the late Andrew A. Pandazi; kind and devoted mother of Andrea (John) and Maria; dear sister of the late Chris (late Alice) Kope, the late Georgia (late Steve) Gineris, late Celia Seraphim, and the late William Kopenitsi; beloved sister-in-law of Peristera (the late George) Georgiou, and George (Helen) Pandazi; beloved aunt to Catherine (the late Dean) Spyres, Sophia (Vincent) Partipilo, Theodore Seraphim, Honorable Judge Stephanie (Greg) Rothstein, Diane (Steve) Harty, Aris (Katherine) Pandazi, Andrew Georgiou, Angela Georgiou, Thomas (Christina) Georgiou; loving great aunt to Jacqueline (Maxwell), Grace, Leah, Ted, Angelica (Jesse), Vincent Charles, Helenna, Tessa, Olivia, Jason, Anna, Patricia, Peter, Stephanie, Dean, and George.

Selfless is perhaps the best way to convey Maggie's character. She lived her life thinking about, worrying about, and always trying to help and support her family and friends. She was strong and unfailing for her parents, her husband, her daughters and her entire family. Maggie's love, grace and kindness were ever present within her marriage and with her family.

While Maggie served her community on various boards, committees and organizations throughout her life, really everything in her life came down to her family and friends and what she could do to help. She was a constant and selfless caregiver to all. She was fiercely protective and loyal. Maggie never failed to have the best and most appropriate life advice. She was always right! Her personal sacrifices for her family and friends were made effortlessly and constantly.

Maggie was proud of her Greek heritage and of what her parents sacrificed to allow her live a rich and full life. Her Orthodox faith was omnipresent and she lived her life acknowledging how blessed we all have been.

Maggie lit up when any child was near, cherishing and loving all children and thrived on their innocent spirit. Her engaging sense of humor was contagious. She loved to laugh. Maggie was an avid reader and kept up on world affairs, politics, and current events. She was fascinated by the magic of nature. Birds, bees, butterflies and learning about the weather were her particular favorites.

Maggie was born and raised in Milwaukee, loved her city and often reminisced about her youthful adventures. She enjoyed telling the story of one of her first jobs straightening beer bottle labels at the former Schlitz brewery, where she caused the bottles to backup and explode stopping the entire assembly line! A graduate of Milwaukee Downer College, Maggie worked at Marquette University where she met Andrew. Later she was his right hand in the formation and operation of his private medical practice.

Faith and honesty were evident in the way both Andrew and Maggie lived their lives. She inspired all who knew her to be kinder, more generous, more forgiving and more thoughtful, as she embodied these remarkable characteristics each day.

We are so grateful for her life. While she was heartbroken with Andrew's death, she joined him at peace and happy, looking forward to what was to come, with her mind sharp and her faith unfailing. We will miss her more than mere words could ever adequately convey.

Thank goodness for the Golden Rod Form!

Visitation at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee Thursday November 5, at 10AM until time of Funeral Service at 11AM. Burial to follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the church.