At 39 years old and five months’ pregnant, Athena Georgopoulos was on the precipice of a life she never thought she would have.

As the daughter of Greek immigrants who grew up in Melbourne, she spent her life surrounded by a big, loving family, and countless friends. Her parents separated when she was young, and she lived with her father and then her mother, Petty Georgopoulos.

Athena Georgopoulos, who was found dead with her partner at Mount Waverley on Monday.

Athena Georgopoulos, who was found dead with her partner at Mount Waverley on Monday.

Athena always there for her mother as she battled health issues.

“She helped me so much,” Petty says now, sobbing over the phone.

Athena’s aunty, Patty Dilveridis, adds: “Recently, we found out she was pregnant, and she was so happy. I spoke to her the other night at Petty’s house. She was so looking forward to having a baby, because she was 39 [and] she never thought she could have one.”

Athena Georgopoulos and her partner, Andrew. The couple was expecting a baby.

Athena Georgopoulos and her partner, Andrew. The couple was expecting a baby.

Her family’s joy turned to anguish when Athena was found dead alongside her 50-year-old partner at their home in Melbourne’s south-east on Monday night, after what police believe was a targeted and violent attack.

Officers were called to the home on Adrienne Crescent in Mount Waverley shortly before 10pm, where they found Athena and her partner dead inside.

Police arrested a 34-year-old man after finding the couple, but are yet to charge the man.