Panayiota Kontonickas Obituary

Panayiota "Peggy" Theodora Kontonickas N. CHARLESTON - Panayiota "Peggy" Theodora Kontonickas, 82, of N. Charleston, SC, left this earth for her heavenly home on August 17, 2023. Known as Mom, Yiayia, Lady Yiayia and Miss Peggy to those who knew her, she leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and an example to all of accepting people for who they are and extending her warmth, laughter and love to each person her path crossed with. To know her was to love her. She never met a stranger and simply opened her heart to give of herself in her unique way. She shared her bright beautiful light and love without conditions or judgment to all. She truly was one of a kind and is already greatly missed and cherished. Peggy was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith. She graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1958. She continued her education in Business Management. She worked in sales in various industries throughout her career. Her last employment prior to retirement was with Port City Paper in Charleston, SC. Peggy leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, Lee Zavakos (Janny); her son, Ted Zavakos (Pam); her life partner of 34 years, William F. Smith, and his daughter, Diana; and the father of her children, Christ L. Zavakos. She was a grandmother (Yiayia) to 6, Andraya Zavakos, Caroline Zavakos (Daniel Kendra), Nick Zavakos, Brad Zavakos, Zachary Zavakos (Erica), Alex Zavakos (Victoria); great-grandma (Lady Yiayia) to 5 precious little ones; her younger brother, Constantine Kontonickas (Diane); many nieces and nephews; and multiple godchildren. She also leaves behind many friends and even acquaintances who loved and enjoyed her warm heart. She is predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Kaliroy Kontonickas; baby daughter, Laura Zavakos; sister, Helen Lambrinides (Christie); brother, Leo Kontonickas (Effie); and sister-in-law, Helen Kontonickas. A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, September 18, 2023. Visitation will be at 11:00, followed by a short service at J. Henry Stuhr Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC. There will be a burial service next door at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow at the home of Lee and Janny Zavakos, 137 Ponsbury Road, Mt. Pleasant. A memorial message may be sent to the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com.