Margarita Papandreou, Greek women's rights pioneer and former First Lady, dies at 102

Passing in Athens and funeral plans

Margarita Papandreou died at her residence in Palaio Faliro on Friday morning, 18 September 2026. Born Margaret Esther Chant, she passed away shortly before her 103rd birthday following a period of failing health. Her son, former prime minister George Papandreou, announced her passing on behalf of the family. A civil funeral will be held at the First Cemetery of Athens on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at 10:00 AM. She was the second wife of PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou and is survived by four children: former prime minister George, Member of the European Parliament Nikos, Andrikos, and Sofia, alongside grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

American roots and decades of exile

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on 30 September 1923, she was the eldest of five sisters in the Chant family. She completed studies in journalism before pursuing graduate coursework in public health at the University of Minnesota, where she met Andreas Papandreou. The two married in Reno, Nevada, in August 1951 and settled in Greece a decade later in 1961. Following the military coup of 1967 and the arrest of her husband, she organised international campaigns to secure his release from prison. After his release from detention, the family lived in exile in Stockholm and Toronto before returning to Athens in 1974 upon the restoration of democracy.

Leadership of the Union of Greek Women

In September 1976, Papandreou founded the Union of Greek Women (EGE), serving as the organization's president for eight years. Through the association, she mobilized women across the country to confront long-standing patriarchal conventions in society, family life, and the workplace. Her campaigns became the driving force behind the family law overhaul passed during the first administration of the PASOK government in the 1980s. The reforms abolished the dowry system, legalized civil marriage, created consensual divorce procedures, and allowed married women to retain their maiden names. The legislation also introduced equal parental care and mutual rights between spouses.

Political reflections and public tributes

Tributes followed from across Greek politics, civil society, and the labour movement. Former prime minister George Papandreou commemorated his mother's lifelong dedication to democratic principles and gender equity.

“A fighter to the end, she lived with generosity, dignity, and deep faith in humanity, justice, peace, and women's equality.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a message of condolence to her relatives, recognising her personal path in modern Greek history.

“As the wife and mother of prime ministers, she was often at the centre of our modern political history. In her long journey, however, she chose to walk her own distinct path.”

Former PASOK government minister Dimitris Reppas recalled meeting her at the home of Melina Mercouri and praised her early advocacy for youth participation.

“Her contribution to public life and her dedication to social issues make her a role model for many women in Greece and beyond.”

The General Confederation of Greek Workers stated that her organizing work transformed women's rights from abstract slogans into permanent legal protections for future generations.