Margarita Papandreou Laid to Rest at Athens State Funeral

A state funeral for Margarita Papandreou was held on September 20 at the First Cemetery of Athens, drawing a large crowd of politicians, friends, and family. The former first lady passed away on the morning of September 19 at the age of 103. Her coffin will be transferred to Ritsona for cremation in a private family ceremony on Monday.

Her three sons — George, Nikos, and Andrikos — delivered emotional eulogies recalling their mother's resilience and warmth. Nikos described her as a "calm in the storm" during the junta's arrest of their father, Andreas Papandreou. George emphasized that though she was not born Greek, she "became Greek" and dedicated her life to the country.

“She was not born Greek. She became Greek. She loved Greece deeply, served it and fought for it.”

Anna Diamantopoulou, representing PASOK, highlighted Margarita's pivotal role in founding the Union of Greek Women and advancing women's rights. Close friend Fotini Sianou and grandson Costas Katsanevas also spoke, sharing personal memories of her love for the sea and music.

George Papandreou noted messages of condolence arrived from across the world, particularly from women in Cyprus, Turkey, and the Middle East with whom Margarita marched for peace. The family announced plans to scatter her ashes in the Aegean Sea, her beloved waters.