Polly P. Kapetanakos

1926 - 2019

Polly P. Kapetanakos

Greenville - Polly P. Kapetanakos (age 93) passed away peacefully in her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Born March 9, 1926, in Sparta, Greece, to Stelio and Despina Vahaviolos Panagakos, she was predeceased by husband, James C. Kapetanakos; a stepdaughter, Mary White, and her husband William; a grandson Terry Kapetanakos; a sister Katerina Papastratakou and her husband Kosta, a brother, Gregory Panagakos, and his wife, Demetra Chrissis Panagakos.

Polly is survived by sisters, Eleni P. Mellos and Xakousti P. Panayiotopoulos. She is lovingly remembered as a mother and grandmother by nieces, Despina Panagakos Yeargin (Dewey), Antonia Panagakos Bizios (John), Athanasia Papastratakos Costianis (Chris), Despina Papastratakos; stepsons, Chris J. Kapetanakos (Hope Gazes), Charlie Kapetanakos; and by her adoring granddaughters and grandsons, Elitsa Bizios, Demetra Bizios Vassilatos & Eric Vassilatos, Katerina Bizios, Alexandra Bizios, Peter C. Kapetanakos (Kim), James C. Kapetanakos (Kimberly), Virginia White and Kris White. She will also be missed by five great-grandchildren, Persefoni & Stavro Vassilatos, Christopher & Catherine Kapetanakos and Elena Hope Kapetanakos.

Mrs. Kapetanakos lived with her husband in Abbeville, South Carolina, where she built a long and successful career as a designer and seamstress greatly sought after by Greenwood and Abbeville area debutantes and brides, and by a broader clientele who respected her skills and talent in crafting original designs for gowns, dresses and suits, so much so, that they followed her upon her relocation to Greenville.

Upon retirement, Polly volunteered with Meals On Wheels and with a church group that provided knitted caps and baby blankets to newborns for Greenville Memorial and St. Francis hospitals.

Polly was an active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. She was a proud member of the Ladies' Philoptochos Society and an enthusiastic long-serving volunteer for the annual Greek Festival.

Much loved and respected in her St. George church community, Polly was adopted as a grandmother by numerous children and their families. Additionally, she has been loved greatly and supported by many friends, too numerous to mention, but especially Brenda & Ellis Elmore, Susan & Vasilios Kostis, Makrina Van Sell, Maria Como, Kelly & Tony Thermos, David & Cathy Bowden and by her gentle and loving caregivers, Tonya Myers, Penny Pryor, Patty Randall, Kathron Feher, Roxana Farela and Kathy Swartz who all went above and beyond their job requirements. They have all been very special to her.

The family would like to thank the following doctors for their kindness, compassion and humanity in treating Polly's numerous health issues over the last twenty years: Peter Maurides, Michael Kissenberth, John Renfro, David Bowden. You are rare and genuine health practitioners.

Polly always said to bring her flowers while she was living; not after she was gone. To honor her wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church at 406 N Academy Street, Greenville, SC, 29601.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, followed by Trisagion (thrice holy) prayers at 10:30 a.m., and a traditional Orthodox funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park where Polly will be buried beside her beloved brother, Gregory.

Polly's wish for those attending her funeral is to celebrate her life and to come wearing bright, beautiful colors.

To celebrate the life of Polly Panagakos Kapetanakos, following interment, a traditional Makaria (meal of mercy) lunch will be hosted at the church hall by Chris & Hope Kapetanakos, Antonia & John Bizios and Despina & Dewey Yeargin. All friends and family are welcome.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.