Katerina "Katina" (Panopalis) Georgoudis, 88, of Moncton, passed away in her home on Saturday, January 28th, 2023. Katina was born in Greece to the late Demetrios and Maria (Batsaki) Panopalis.
At the young age of 18, Katina eloped with the love of her life, the late Constantine "Costa" Georgoudis. Their blessed union lasted 69 years and produced three sons, George, Jimmy, and Peter.
Costa and Katina wanted a better life than what Greece had to offer at the time, so Costa immigrated to Montreal, Canada, while Katina and their first born, George, stayed in Greece. After one year apart, Katina and George were reunited with Costa in Montreal and their new adventure began.
While in Montreal, Katina worked in the garment industry until she arrived in Moncton. At first, she had a difficult time adjusting in Moncton; however, with time she grew to love the city and the people. She called Moncton her forever home. Katina was a devoted Christian. Daily, she read her bible and would take every opportunity to praise the Lord and thank Him for all the blessings in her life. Gardening was definitely her favorite leisure activity. During the spring and summer months, she would spend countless hours in her flower gardens and attending to her numerous flowerpots that adorned her home and workplace. Flowers always brought a smile to her face; she would say flowers were a gift from God.
In 1969, with her husband Costa, the Vito’s family restaurant was established; a staple eatery for 54 years in the city of Moncton. In order to reciprocate the love and support they received from their adopted city, Costa and Katina sponsored many sports organizations, charities and community events. Katina’s work ethic was second to none. She worked tirelessly at the restaurant and never complained of the long hours. She loved to cook and was well known to offer samples of her Greek specialty dishes to her employees and customers...many of whom throughout the decades became close family friends.
Katina will always be remembered as a soft spoken, kind, empathetic, loving and gentle person. Her smile was always able to brighten anyone’s day.
Katina is survived by her sons: Jimmy and Peter (Antigone); daughter-in-law, Shelley; and her beloved grandchildren: Catherine, Melissa, Stephania, Katherina, Costa and Katerina; her siblings: Gregory, George, Tom, Sam, Martha, and Kanela; as well as many nieces, nephews, bothers and sisters-in-law.
Katina was predeceased by her parents, her son George, and her husband Costa.
As per Katina’s wishes, there will not be any visitation. A private service will be held on Tuesday, January 31st at 1:00 pm at St-Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Saint John. Interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Costa.
For those who wish, remembrance in memory of Katina may be made to Diabetes Canada. Funeral arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (506-858-1900). Online condolences may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com
Rest in Peace our beloved Katina.