Penelope K. Arvanitis, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12 lovingly surrounded by her adoring family.

Penelope, or Penny as she was often called, was the beloved daughter of Louis and Helen Karagias.  She was the sister of older brother, George, and younger brother, Demitiri, and spent much of her youth in the company of her extended family, the Pappas and the Plasteras families.  From an early age, she worked at her family’s restaurant, The Criterion, located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.  The Criterion later became Criterion Candies, which is still in operation and remains famous for its chocolates and saltwater taffy.  The family then opened a newer restaurant, The Marine Grill, which was located on the ocean in Loch Arbor.  A true local beach girl at heart (she would never refer to it as “down the shore”, for it was always simply “the beach”), she held a lifetime love of being near the water.

Penny attended the Asbury Park school system, graduating from Asbury Park High School where she excelled academically especially in English literature and French.  She spoke often about her father’s appreciation for higher education and his insistence that she attend college – however, much to her chagrin, such a college could not be too far from home.  She attended Georgian Court College, where she made lifelong friends, and once again excelled academically.  Upon graduation, “Miss Karagias” became a first-grade teacher in Wanamassa.

In 1954, Penelope married her beloved George.  At some point, early in their marriage, George dubbed Penny his “Lad”, a moniker reserved solely for his affection.  Thus began a love story spanning more than 66 years, 4 children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Penny and George raised their family (and more than a few St. Bernards) in their turn-of-a-century home on Palmer Avenue in West Long Branch.  It was here that Penny displayed her real talents for elegance, graciousness and generosity of spirit.  Her culinary talents were unsurpassed and her meals became legendary.  Long before “Cooking with Julia” became popular, Penny would effortlessly serve Bouillabaisse or Coq Co Vin to whomever happened to be sitting at the table.  Her Saturday night seafood dinners became the coveted invite as lobsters, soft shells crabs, grilled tuna and salmon made the weekly rotation.  Penny thoroughly enjoyed the company of extended family and friends, as well as her children’s and grandchildren’s friends, and over time became fondly known as “Mrs. A.” or “Aunt Penny”.  After more than 25 years, Penny and George moved to a home they built together, quickly dubbed “Club A”, in West Allenhurst.  For the next 30 years this home would also be filled with family and friends alike creating memories including, among so many others, clambakes, summer parties, regular cousin sleepovers, and the annual Family Arvanitis’ Olympics.

Penny and George enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and Europe, making yearly trips to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Charleston, Savannah and Sea Island, Georgia.  Together they enjoyed tackling the New York Times Crossword, although George would often hand it over to his “Lad” for completion. They also enjoyed many weekend trips to see Broadway shows, museums and dinners in New York City.   The love, respect, friendship, and humor that comprised their marriage has been a legacy beyond compare.

Penny possessed a keen mind and a strong intellect.  She laughed often and easily (an attribute that was often on display once George started to tell one of his long tales). She was humble and self-deprecating, often deflecting any attention no matter how well deserved.  Penny made everyone in her company feel respected, appreciated, and welcomed.

She was a longtime member of Deal Golf and Country Club playing in the Ladies 18 golf group where she enjoyed lasting friendships.  Despite being a high handicapper, she did have a hole-in-one on a cold and rainy fall day.  True to her humility, she talked more about the horrible weather rather than the accomplishment of one of golf’s greatest joys.  A lifelong reader of diverse interests, she enjoyed the poetry of Robert Frost, the New York Times (particularly the Op-Ed section) and novels of many female writers, particularly Edith Wharton and Maya Angelou.  Likewise, her musical interests spanned decades and genres as she enjoyed Edith Piaf and Perry Como just as easily as Cat Stevens and Bruce Springsteen.

Once her children were grown, Penny continued her education at Monmouth College (now University) earning a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies with Honors.  She also earnestly pursued her lifelong love of painting, needlepoint and knitting.  Penny was as generous with her heart as well as with her time and talents.  She served on the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Society for many years and was one of the women to organize and publish a Greek Cookbook.  As part of the cookbook fundraiser, Penny also donated numerous handmade needlepoint bookmarks.  Later in life she was one of a handful of ladies from Deal GC who volunteered knitting scarves, hats and other items to be sold at charity golf outings.  The organization, A Stich Fore Time, raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research.

Penny was predeceased by her husband, George, in 2021, her daughter, Victoria Jenks, in 2023 and her brother, George, in 2018. She will be lovingly remembered by her three children and their spouses: Michael and Kristin Arvanitis (West Long Branch), Alexandra and Robert Faccone (West Long Branch) and Melissa and Jim Keale (Fair Haven). One of her proudest roles was that as a “Yiayia” to her 12 grandchildren:  Sophia, Eleni and Zoe Arvanitis, Victoria and Rich Fini, Robert Faccone Jr. and fiancé, Julie Minnish, Kara and fiancé, Matthew Coscia, Margot, Elise and Christian Keale, and Alexandra, Andrew and Patrick Jenks. Penny was especially thrilled to have welcomed her two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Piper Fini.  Penelope is also survived by her brother Demitri and his wife, Helen Karagias, sister-in-law, Mary Karagias, as well as her sister-in-law and dear friend, Eva Arvanitis.  Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.  She adored and was adored in return by many nieces and nephews, as well as friends.  She leaves a legacy of love, graciousness and kindness to be embraced by all who knew her.

Penelope’s family will be celebrating her life with a private service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to her memory may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ 07712.  Additionally, her family encourages all to celebrate her memory in the most fitting way –   to enjoy a home cooked meal surrounded by loved ones while holding hands and giving thanks for all of life’s blessings.