In a statement released today, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia expressed its ‘deepest condolences’ on the death of Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan (nee Panayiotou).
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Shanahan and Panagiotou who are immersed in mourning for the loss of Joanne. We mourn with the two families, friends and the entire Police Force of South Australia,” the statement said on behalf of the GOCSA’s President, Vassilios Gonis, and the Board of Directors.
In 2019, Chief-Supt Shanahan was a guest speaker at the Community’s International Women’s Day event, where she described going to work every day as ‘a pleasure.’
“I have been in the South Australian Police Force for 38 years and they are just as enthusiastic as when I first started. Going to work is a daily pleasure. I was the first Police Director to have children and I am still the only mother on the Board,” she said at the event.
“I have to admit that I have managed to do what I wanted in my personal life and work thanks to my family and friends, two very important things.
“My mother, my father and my husband were the ones who looked after the children when I had to be at work, my friends were the ones who cheered me on when I failed at something and they are the same people I share beautiful moments with. That’s why I thank them.”
The GOCSA said these comments by Chief-Supt Shanahan were the perfect way to describe her.
“A proud mother, devoted wife, beloved daughter and loyal friend. Her parents, devoted members of the Community, Mr. and Mrs. Panagiotou, always proud of Joanne, could never believe that such a untold tragedy would unfold before their eyes,” the statement stressed.
“Fortunately, Joanne’s husband was not seriously injured in the accident and is no longer being treated at the hospital. He is now close to their two adult children.”
The Community concluded by extending their condolences to the family and friends of Tania McNeill, who also lost her life in the same tragic incident.
READ MORE: Greek-Australian police officer and mother of two killed in horrific car crash in Adelaide.
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