Alexandra Tsaganos passed away peacefully at her home on December 16, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in 1937 in Monemvasia, Greece, she carried with her a deep love for her homeland, her faith, and her family throughout her life in the United States.
Alexandra was the eldest of four daughters born to Georgios Ritsos and Panayiota (Giannoukos). Growing up during the difficult years of World War II and the Greek Civil War, she learned early the values of perseverance, dignity, and resilience. Those qualities remained with her and shaped the way she lived and raised her family.
Her family later moved to Athens, and Alexandra worked as a secretary in her uncle’s law firm before traveling to the United States at the age of 21. While visiting relatives in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, she met George Tsaganos, the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner. The two married on August 16, 1959, sharing 61 years together until George’s passing in 2020.
Alexandra made her home in the United States, where she built strong bonds with her extended family and remained closely connected to Greece through frequent visits. She often spoke fondly of her childhood home in Monemvasia and the time she spent traveling through Europe with her sisters.
Alongside her husband, Alexandra worked in the restaurant and beverage industry, including at The Embers, The Paper Plate, Peggy’s Subs, Kent Manor Inn, and Airport Liquors. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work and opportunity. Above all, she was devoted to her children, Robert and Peggy, sharing with them Greek myths, fables, and sayings that reflected her love of language, culture, and tradition.
Alexandra was also deeply active in the Greek Orthodox community. She served for many years in the St. Agape Philoptochos Chapter at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, holding leadership roles including president, treasurer, and board member. Her commitment to Philoptochos and its philanthropic mission left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her.
Those who knew Alexandra remember her dignity, strong will, honesty, and devotion to cultural and religious traditions. She was known for her high standards and thoughtful guidance, as well as her sharp sense of humor and love of a clever joke. Her warmth and laughter will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children, Robert and Peggy; her grandchildren Bianca-Alexis Ferrante, Alexa Taylor (Anthony), George Tsaganos (Adrienne), and Dimitrios Tsaganos; her great-grandchildren Robert, Opheleia, Mateo, Phillip, and James; her sisters Marina Georgileas, Ioanna Petousis, and Evdokia Koumbourlis; her godson Georgios Petousis; and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington, Delaware, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
May her memory be eternal.