WORCESTER-Marianthi J. (Panori) Leacu, 94, of Worcester, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 8th surrounded by her loving family in St. Vincent Hospital. Her husband, Peter V. Leacu, passed away in October of 1945. She is survived by her three devoted children, Helen, wife of the late James D. Athanas, Janet, wife of Thomas Rouvina, both of Auburn, and Nicholas and his wife Nancy Leacu of Dudley. Marianthi also leaves eight grandchildren, Leslie Greco and her husband Barry, Jay Athanas and his wife Carrie, Kristyne Brownlie and her husband Kevin, Christopher Athanas and his wife Nancy, Michael Rouvina and his wife Abigail, Jennifer Rouvina, Alexis Eaton and her husband Eric and Peter Leacu and his fiancée Pamela Johnson; eight great grandchildren; a half sister in Albania; several nephews and nieces; and many friends.
Marianthi was born on July 14, 1914 in Dardhe, Albania, the daughter of the late Jani and Panajota (Bode) Panori. She arrived from Albania in 1936 with her husband and resided in Worcester her entire life. Marianthi was an accomplished seamstress, having worked in many different companies including Hawthorne Sportswear for 27 years until her retirement. She was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church and its Women’s Guild. Marianthi was active in many church activities, including food preparation for the Albanian Festivals and volunteering her time to the New England Albanian Relief Organization. She loved babysitting her grandchildren and cooking for her family. Marianthi also enjoyed crocheting, making afghans for Project Linus, knitting, gardening and traveling, having traveled extensively throughout the world. Her life revolved around her family.
The funeral is Saturday, October 11th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a service at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, October 10th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM with a Trisagion service at 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.