Katherine Vassos' Obituary
Katherine Vassos died peacefully on August 18, 2018. Beloved wife of Jerry V. Vassos (deceased), loving mother of daughters Anastasia Vassos and Donna Vassos, and beloved mother-in-law of Gary Koeppel, she is survived as well by many nieces and nephews in Greece and in Cleveland. She leaves behind dozens of former Greek School Students who can read and write Greek due to her tutelage. They still recall the influence she had on them.
She was born in Coutalis, Turkey in 1919. During the 1920’s her family emigrated to Thessaloniki where she was educated. She met and married Jerry Vassos in 1949 and settled in Cleveland, OH. After raising her two daughters, she became active in the Greek Orthodox Church as a member of the Philoptochos Society. She was also a member of the Coutalis Benefit Association. Mrs. Vassos taught Greek School at St. Demetrios Church as well as Sts. Constantine and Helen before teaching privately in her own school.
During holidays and special occasions, she was a constant help to her husband fulfilling orders at Vassos Brothers Candies, along with the rest of the family.
She had a successful retail career for many years at Higbee’s Department Store, Dillard’s, and then for a brief time at Horne’s Department Store and Novatny Furs.
Throughout her life she was an avid gardener, and an accomplished seamstress.
VISITATION TUESDAY 4-8 PM at St. Demetrios’ Metallinos Cultural Hall, 22909 Center Ridge Rd Rocky River. TRISAGION SERVICE 7 PM. FUNERAL SERVICE WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22, 2018 at 11 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14th St. Cleveland. Interment Lakewood Park Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Ames Family Hospice House for their dedicated care to Mrs. Vassos during her final weeks there. In addition, the family extends gratitude to her caregivers in her final years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Demetrios Trust Fund, and St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society.
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