Magdaline Prodromou Fanaritis, 98, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Monday afternoon, January 20, 2025, with her family at her bedside.
She was born April 26, 1926, in Philadelphia, PA. Magda was the daughter of Prodromus and Maria Korakides Prodromou. She has resided in Warren, PA., since 1947. She graduated at the age of 16 from high school and earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 19. She worked in Philadelphia, PA., as a social worker. She then moved to Warren, in 1947 after marrying her husband, John Peter Fanaritis, whom she married July 1, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA., who died August 30, 2002.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Jamestown, N.Y. Education meant a great deal to Magda, she was founder of the Warren Higher Ed Council and was instrumental in getting a gifted student program in the Warren County Schools. She was an active volunteer with Warren. General Hospital, where she was former secretary of the hospital auxiliary, member of the Warren League of Women Voters, served as chairperson of the Women’s Division for the development of the Warren State Hospital Interfaith Chapel. She served as past president of the Warren/Forest EOC board of directors. Magda was recipient of the 1998 Community Service Award. At the age of 50 she decided to take up skiing, she enjoyed tennis, bowling, playing bridge and was the only woman allowed to play cribbage with the men from the Conewango Country Club. She especially enjoyed traveling.
She is survived by her children – Panagiotes Fanaritis of Granville, Ohio, Maria Marano and husband, Kim, Kathryn Decker and husband, Jim all of Warren, PA., 9 Grandchildren – Jason Lundmark, Andrew and David Marano, Nicholas, Adam and Alexander Decker, Alexandra Judd, Nikitis Fanaritis, Alana Locke, 8 Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Nikitas Fanaritis, 1 Brother – Theodore Prodromou.
Family and Friends will be received on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, Pa. where a Trisagion prayer service will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. A funeral service will be conducted Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 14 Mount Vernon Place, Jamestown, N.Y. with Rev. Fr. Stephen W. Gousios, Proistamenos, officiating. Interment will be in Oakland. Cemetery, Warren, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so in Magda’s memory to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church or a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Magda’s receipt of the 1998 Community Service Award recognized an already impressive history of work benefitting the Warren community, but her service continued for another quarter-century. She was a role model for so many, particularly women, Her hospitality was legendary and unbounded. Her personal kindness and support for me during a particularly troubling time has never been forgotten.
My sympathy to her family and friends. She will rest in well-deserved peace.
My condolences to the greater Fanaritis family. Mrs. Fanaritis was a faithful member of St. Nicks, making the trek from Warren on a regular basis back in the day. On behalf of the Constantine clan, we wish all of you the best in this time of sorrow. She always had a smile for me, and was a welcoming presence. With regards, Mark (Constantine)
Magda was such a good friend of my family. I enjoyed going out to lunch with her when I was in town. She always teased my Dad, which I loved. After my Mom died, Magda would check up on my Dad, and joined his cribbage group. When my Dad died, she took my kids, and their cousins on a tour of the Struthers Theater, which they remember fondly. She will always be fondly remembered.
Dan and I express our sympathy to the Fanaritis family. Magda was such an honorable person to all. She so truly loved her family and had such dedication her friends, church and the Warren community. That smile on her face lit up the world and even through her trial and tribulations of her own, that smile never wavered. Magda was one who listened to you after a knock on her door, letting you in and serving coffee and discussed the weight of the world that the visitor was having at that time. Dan and I talked about all the fun we had a parties and there were a lot of them! Dan always had a kind word describing Magda. She was such a supporter of Dans golf game calling him “Danny Boy”.We have known Magda most of our life and what a true pleasure! All the Fanaritis memories go on and live on with her family and friends
God Bless and love to you all…….Laura and Dan Phillips
Lived a long and good life by volunteering in her community and learning new things.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a woman ahead of her time. She had a wonderful life and will be remembered fondly by all of us.
My condolences to Pan and the whole Fanaritis family. I knew as Mrs. Fanaritis, Pan’s mother. She was always very kind to me. She had a way of making an awkward teenager feel comfortable and relaxed when visiting her home. She will be missed.
The following is a copy from my book, “My spiritual journey to the thief on the Cross.”
Magda contributed to who I am today in a good way. Memory Eternal. Rest in Peace from the Proukous.
Magda Fanaritis, and her husband, John, were our family’s closest Greek friends. When my parents had to work, they would take me to Greek Church with their family. Magda helped my mother establish my Orthodox beliefs and understand my Greek roots. Although my church attendance was sporadic, it was enough to fix the Greek Orthodox faith deeply in my heart and carry me through my life to the present day.
On behalf of a few friends , Bill H., John H., Dan L., Andy S. and others and myself , Doug Allen, we are sorry for the loss of Magda.During our high school years ( 1970-1974 ), college years,…and even up to this day ( 2025) she supported us in all we did along with Kathy and Jim 100% ,….. even though she offered life advice freely… Lol. She always had a smile and was attentive to all sorts of detail in a conversation.
Thanks for remembering me, Doug. I’ll always remember Magda on the ski slope, and her fun loving courage at taking up skiing in her 50s. Not a surprise that she lived so long.
Memory Eternal
One of my grandmothers dearest friends and a wonderful woman.
Magda left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Well done good and faithful servant !!
Dear Pam, Maria, and Kathy,
My sincere condolences to you all having recently shared the passing of your mother Magda. Your mother was an early acquaintance of mine. She converting to the woodlands of Warren from Philadelphia. I from Hempstead Long Island about 10 years apart.
I never became a close friend of your mother but interacted through similar social groups. Your father worked at Struthers Wells along side our grandfather Harry Conarro Sr. And Robert Voight a brother in law.
Your mother was always caught my attention at dinner gatherings when the band leader struck up the music. She had the best pair of muscular legs and rhythm to show them off. Your father John adored his dance mate dragging him to the center stage and also kept in percussion.
I do appreciate her supporting our higher education programs and the Higher Ed. Council. Most recently I attended a graduation ceremony for the nursing school grads for 2023. It was held at the State Hospital chapel which she championed.
You and Magda heirs be very proud of her contribution to our community and the legacy she leaves.
Sincerely, Mary Conarro
Condolences sent to the entire Fanaritis family. God Bless you all. Magdaline lived a wonderful life.