Katherine Stathakis of Atlanta, Georgia passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2009 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. A native of Karyae Lakonia, Greece, Katherine emigrated to the U.S. with her husband and three children in the summer of 1963. Katherine was a proud, gentle and caring lady who dedicated her life to giving to others. She helped raise her family during the civil war in Greece and later emigrated with them to provide the best opportunities life had to offer. They arrived in New York after having sailed from Piraeus, Greece on the Queen Anna Maria ocean liner. Shortly after arrival, the Stathakis’ permanent residence became the Virginia Highlands in Atlanta, Georgia. Katherine worked very hard alongside her husband Theodore to raise their family and later helped raise nieces and nephews as well as all their grandchildren. Katherine Stathakis was a highly respected member of a very large family in which she strongly encouraged keeping Greek traditions alive. Her legacy will live on for generations to come. Family and friends alike will always cherish her memory and celebrate her amazing life. She is survived by husband of 56 years, Theodore Stathakis; daughter Kiki Papadimitriou and husband John; daughter Vivian Pappas and husband Chris; son Sam Stathakis and wife Georgea; brother Pete Giannakopoulos and wife Pauline; sister Evanthia Patsouris and husband John; brother Tom Giannakopoulos and wife Veneta; brother John Giannakopoulos and wife Theoni; sister Dina Vlahakis and husband George; 9 grandchildren; 23 nieces and nephews and 20 grand nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 26, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a Prayer service at 7:00 pm at A.S. Turner & Sons. Funeral service will be held Monday, July 27, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation on Clairmont Road. Father Kristo Mars will officiate. Burial will be in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Katherine’s memory to Healthfield Hospice, 216 Business Center Drive, Stockbridge, GA 30281 or to the Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Social Services, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329. A. S. Turner & Sons
