Katherine Pappas

Katherine Photos "Kiki" Pappas, age 81, passed away Monday, April 9, 2012 in her home surrounded by her loving friends and family. She was born on June 11, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio to Thomas and Stavroula Photos. Kiki graduated from Whittier Elementary School, DeVillbiss High School, the University of Toledo (Bachelor of Arts Degree), being the first in her family, and the University of Michigan (Masters Degree). She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honorary, Phi Delta Kappa Education Honorary, Phi Alpha Theta Honorary and Pi Lambda Theta.
Katherine was a teacher and librarian in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, having taught at the University of Toledo, Owens Community College and the Toledo Public Schools. She always encouraged and helped her students to do their very best.

After retiring from teaching, the lights of her life were seeing her family involved in helping others, and her exceptional grandchildren who brought so much joy to her life.

Katherine's family will remember her as a caring wife, loving mother, grandmother and sister. The most important things in her life were her husband, children, grandchildren and family. She was the rock of her family, always putting the needs of her husband and sons first. Her interests included gardening and reading.

Mom was the "wind beneath our wings." She was there at all the good times and more importantly, when things weren't as good. Her words, "Sometimes we stumble, but we will just dust ourselves off and persevere," have always echoed in our minds. We remember coming home from school and all of us talking about our days at school. Mom was at all of our school functions (academic and sport), church functions and events in the community. Her guidance led to our successes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, John, Louis, Nick and George Photos and sister, Constance Patsavos. Katherine is survived by Mitcho, her loving husband of 56 years; sons, S. John (Angela) Pappas, MD, Michael D. (Cristy) Pappas, MD and Thomas M. (Carrie) Pappas, MD; her grandchildren, Katherine, Maria, Naya, Demetra, Gianna, Jameson, Laney and Kaylen; and sister, Pauline Kambour.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300) with Trisagion Services at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral Services will begin Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 802 N. Superior St., Toledo, Ohio. Interment will follow in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider scholarships in the names of Thomas and Stavroula Photos or John and Maude Pappas, to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Our family would like to thank Ms. Sheri Goodremont for her compassionate care of Mom for the past three years. She has been our angel on Earth and we are forever grateful.

Mom, you were a woman who did everything your own way, with elegance and class, and we will always remember you for never being afraid to take the path less traveled.
Love you more!