Obituary of Antigone Ganifas

FREEMAN MANALAPAN-MARLBORO FUNERAL HOME

344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, NJ 07726

(732) 972-8484      FAX: (732) 972-9225

OBITUARY             

Antigone Ganifas, 88, of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8^th, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Antigone was born in Mytilene, Greece on July 27th, 1934. She came to the United States in the mid-1950s where she would eventually reside in Rahway with her loving and devoted husband, Harry. There, they raised their two daughters. She has resided in Colts Neck for the last 22 years.

Antigone was a woman of many talents and great faith. As a young woman in her very beloved hometown of Eressos, she was known for her beauty and sharp mind. Though not typical at that time, she was able to complete a high school education in the main town of the island.

She married Theocharis (Harry) Ganifas and came to the United States as a young bride. She lived in Plainfield initially and relocated to Rahway. Together they owned the Rahway Grill, and Antigone worked diligently alongside Harry until his retirement. Antigone had a passion for learning and took courses in English, various crafts, and the Bible. She loved hosting Bible studies for many years in her home.

Antigone was a talented poet who wrote many beautiful, meaningful poems in Greek that have been published in journals in both Greece and America. She was a gifted cook and a strong matriarch who always prioritized family. Most significantly, Antigone was a woman of virtue and noble character who lived by her Christian faith and touched many lives. She was a true ‘Proverbs 31 woman’. We will miss her greatly but we take great comfort in the assurance of knowing that she is at peace with our Lord along with the loved ones who have gone before her.

Antigone was predeceased by her husband Harry Ganifas; daughter Euridiki (Vickie) Theocharides and brother Gregory Spanellis. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Julie Simon and her husband Dr. Michael Simon; and grandchildren Drs. Michael Emmanuel and wife Julia, Steven, Christian, Noni and Christianna.

A funeral service will be held at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Holmdel on  Monday, February 13, 2023. Viewing will begin at 9am with funeral services at 10am. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Freehold, NJ. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel, NJ.