May 23, 1935 - December 11, 2023

With immense sadness, the family of Rosina Panagiotou held her hands and surrounded her with love as she passed on Monday, December 11, 2023. Rosina slipped away after a 21 day hospital stay at the age of 88.

Rosina was born on May 23, 1935 in Apatin, Yugoslavia. Taken into a concentration camp in Yugoslavia at the age of nine, Rosina became a fighter early on. With the strength of her mother and sister, they escaped the camp and came to the United States on December 7, 1951 at the age of sixteen. She resided in Inglewood with her mom, dad, and sister, Elisabeth.

She eventually met her beloved husband, John, bought a home in Downey in 1968 and raised their three daughters there. The house has had numerous parties with Rosina as the hostess, always celebrating family and friends.

After retirement, Rosina and John spent much time in John’s native homeland of Skyros, Greece. They loved these trips together spending quality time with multiple friends and family.

Rosina was not afraid to try new things or to speak out for what she believed in. She was fearlessly strong and independent even during a time when it wasn’t so popular. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed and is survived by her beloved husband John(92) and their children: RaeLene Reppmann, Amaris Ransom (Craig), and Rosanna Lorberter (Jimmy); grandchildren: Damian, Reannon, Raven, Kelsey, Sydney, Kailyn, and Avery; great grandchildren: Kyler, Corbin, Zander, Malia, Rylee, Giovanni, Charlotte and Stella; and sister: Elisabeth Filijan. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who will deeply remember her love and feisty spirit.

Rosina’s kindness and passion extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many others who had the privilege of knowing her. She cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help.

It would be wrong to say that Rosina lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. Through her, her family knows what strength, resilience, and perseverance truly looks like. There was no quit in Rosina. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight. While her family grieves the loss of their strong, independent, and beloved matriarch, they take solace in knowing that she is happily looking down upon them with love and pride.

A celebration of life will be planned in the future to rejoice in her life’s accomplishments.