CHICO — In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was known for her courage, sense of justice and her role as a protector of cities.
It’s only fitting that Chico State student Athena Marie Passidakis, described as “100% Greek” by her uncle James Leontis, bravely fought an illness during her life that required her to receive chemotherapy and always made other people feel safe. Passidakis was a health services administration student who was due to graduate in May.
Passidakis, 21, was killed Thursday, April 3 by a man she had been in a relationship with, according to the Chico Police Department. Family members and friends, classmates, Chico State faculty, law enforcement, co-workers and community members gathered in front of Kendall Hall at Chico State for a candlelight vigil Thursday to honor her life and legacy.
Passidakis’ mother, Meri Passidakis, spoke, assuring the crowd that “you belong, and you are loved.”
“Athena was pure, she was love made visible,” said Meri Passidakis during a candlelight vigil to honor her daughter Thursday. “Athena was sunshine wrapped in laughter.”
Passidakis’ father, George Passidakis, also spoke, as well as her sister Angelique and her brother Alex. Faculty member in the Department of Public Health and Health Services Administration Lindsay Briggs, fighting tears, spoke and some women from an organization where Passidakis was interning spoke as well.
Before the vigil, Passidakis’ uncle Steve Leontis said Passidakis was the “kindest person with the most positive attitude that you could ever imagine.”
“She had a lot of hardship in her life … ,” Leontis said. “She overcame a lot.”
Her uncle, James Leontis, said Passidakis was extremely positive.
“Everyone always says when someone passes away that they were kind, but she really was,” said James Leontis. “She really was so happy and positive. She wanted to connect. She was very sincere and always looked you in the eye.”
Passidakis’ three uncles said she loved animals, such as dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits.
After the vigil people wrote messages honoring Passidakis. There were tears as people hugged the family and there were embraces all around as people in the crowd hugged each other. Lights shone from trees and pictures of Passidakis alone and one with her beloved family stood on the lawn with flowers in between.
“She exuded love and didn’t know how much she was loved,” said Meri Passidakis.
There will be a second vigil for Passidakis at 7:30 p.m. today at the Diestelhorst Bridge in Redding. Passidakis was from Redding and graduated from Shasta High School.
Originally Published:
Source: Paradise Post
