FREDA PANAGIOTACOS's Obituary
Freda Panagiotacos
Freda was an amazing woman!
Self described as a lonely child who retreated into books and Caruso recordings, she realized how different she was from many of her contemporaries, and survived the familial harassments which typically follow such differences.
She survived the Depression and loss of her father at an early age. She married a “good Greek boy” whom she grew to love. Her personal strength and integrity carried her through a “gypsy life” (as her mother described her early marriage) and ever more challenging restaurant experiences. George, her husband, loved an opportunity to find and “save” a floundering restaurant wherever he could find one. Nothing another change seeker wouldn’t enjoy; but, fearful for a security seeking women who felt she had no choice.
Over time, that sense of dependency changed. Evolving beyond social, cultural and generational expectations of the time, Freda grew into herself. She began to spearhead financial security by managing money; adapted to the incessant demands of restaurant ownership, customers and unreliable help; changing cultural expectations and “American” children who grew into rebellious teenagers few traditional Greek families would tolerate.
As her growth continued, so did her love of books and learning. Mom earned a real-estate license and sold property in Cape Coral, driving 60 miles each way (without highways) between shifts at the restaurant. She started a Bachelor’s degree when her oldest was still in High School and completed her MS while teaching Special Education.
Freda left many gifts to her family; perhaps the favorite is a self-history entitled “Of Cafes, Houses, Goats and Things.” Her life was filled with each: many cafes and houses, a time “on the farm” with goats and home grown cotton, many adventures spanning generations and continents, and a family that values the memories.
Freda was complex and amazing, emotionally caring, intellectually curious, politically conservative and financially astute. An avid lover of learning, she shared that love and her values generously. Her influence will always be with us, her humor remembered and her presence missed.
We love you Mom! A Funeral Service will be held of Tuesday March 31, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with visitation for friends beginning at 1:30P. Entombment will follow in the Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice in her memory.
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