Margarita Papandreou, former wife of Greek Prime Minister, dies at 102

Margarita Papandreou, a prominent public figure and writer, passed away at the age of 102. Born Margarita Chant in Oak Park, Illinois, on September 30, 1923, she was just days away from her 103rd birthday. She met Andreas Papandreou while completing her graduate studies in Public Health at the University of Minnesota. The couple married in 1951 and had four children: George, Sofia, Nikos, and Antrikos.

After moving to Greece in 1961, she became a notable figure in national public life, notably founding and presiding over the Women's Union of Greece (EGE) for eight years. Her life was marked by significant political challenges, including her active campaign for her husband’s release during the Greek military junta in December 1967. While her marriage lasted until 1989, she remained a public figure known for her activism in women's rights and peace initiatives.

Sources provide slightly conflicting birth year information, with one report citing 1924 and another 1923, but both confirm she died at age 102. Her legacy includes extensive contributions as an author and a long-standing commitment to social causes in Greece.