The Chico State student who was shot and killed last week was mourned at a candlelight vigil on the university’s campus.
Thursday night, dozens stood holding candles on Kendall Hall lawn to join family, friends and co-workers of 21-year-old Athena Marie Passidakis. On April 3, a man police say she previously dated, kidnapped her at gunpoint and led law enforcement on a chase that ended in a murder-suicide.
At the vigil her older sister Angelique Passidakis shared words with the crowd.
“She was my best friend and always will be my best friend,” she said. “I'm so thankful for having the best little sister ever. She had a heart that couldn't bear to see anyone sad.”
Angelique said that “love poured straight from her heart” and that “she was sunshine” for her loved ones.
“This world took her too soon and in a way that no one should have ever had to leave,” she said. “The hole she's left in our hearts cannot be filled.”
Athena Passidakis was a health services administration major and was due to graduate this spring.
Amy Castelluccio was her former professor and said Passidakis showed great pride in following the career path she chose.
“She was a person who was kind and caring, loved her family dearly, and full of excitement for her future,” Castelluccio said. “When I think of Athena, I think of the words quiet, but oh so mighty.”
She said Passidakis was strong and determined in her education.
Passidakis interned at Butte Home Health and Hospice. Many of her colleagues from the agency came to the vigil to share words about her, including Marina Martinez.
“She was the sweetest thing. A lot of the times she was very quiet, but once she got to talking, she could talk,” Martinez said. “We just had a lot of heartfelt conversations.”
Passidakis was further remembered by family and colleagues as humble, funny and uplifting.
Another vigil will be held for Passidakis in her hometown of Redding. It will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Diestelhorst Bridge.
More photos from the vigil
