Catherine Psarakis

Catherine Psarakis (Vassilion), having successfully attained the age of 94, decided on Thursday, January 26, 2023, that it was time to go home.
Born on April 5, 1928, to Greek parents in Detroit, Catherine spent her formative years in Akron, Ohio. The eldest of five children, Catherine possessed a personality suitable to the role. In addition to being a great helpmate to her cherished mother, Catherine studied the mandolin, Greek dance, and at least one boy named Tommy whose memory lives on in family legend. Following her graduation from North High School (class of 1946), she worked as an executive secretary at Ohio Edison and wore fierce outfits in the many old photographs her family treasures.
Catherine met the love of her life in 1957, when Emmanuel "Mike" Psarakis made the fateful decision to accompany his uncle to a party at the home of a family friend. They married on February 16, 1958, the start of a 42-year adventure that included the births of two sons, moves to Pennsylvania and Florida, and many happy years in their Winter Park home. A highlight of this wonderful life included Catherine's long career as an administrative assistant at Rollins, where she often lent a willing ear and sage advice to the many students she befriended. Catherine was also a longtime member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and its Philoptochos ladies society. In her leisure years, Catherine enjoyed an active social life with her many friends, as well as trips to South Africa, Germany, Italy, and Greece.
Catherine's greatest joy was her family, as evidenced by the countless hours she spent chauffeuring her sons to piano and trumpet lessons, watching them compete at swim meets and perform in concerts, and generally enduring their childhood shenanigans. She was equally proud as a grandmother, bending many an ear as she regaled friends and strangers alike with stories of her three beloved grandchildren.
Catherine's family is confident that her journey home has resulted in a joyous reunion with her father, mother, and step-father, her husband Mike, her sisters Francie and Pat, and her baby brother Ted. She is survived by sons Mark (Effie) and Dean (Cynthia), granddaughters Catherine and Maria, grandson Evan, and sister Becky.
May her memory be eternal.