Birth date: Jul 3, 1968 Death date: Feb 23, 2014
Katharina (Kathy) Kanakis-Katartzis, age 45, passed away at home unexpectedly entering into eternal peace on Sunday, February 23, 2014. Kathy was born July 3, 1968 in Huntington, N.Y. the daughter of George and Helen Kanakis. She Read Obituary
What a beautiful service for a beautiful soul with one of the most beautiful smiles i have ever seen. Though i knew her only a short time, it took no time at all to like, admire and befriend her. She spoke so highly of her friends and family and especially of her Niece and Nephew and now i see why. The words of love they spoke about her keep replaying in my mind causing the tears to continue flowing. I can see now why her eyes lit up every time she bragged about them (which was every chance she got) :-) They were too of the greatest loves of her life and im so glad they know it. My deepest sympathy to all of her friends, family, and loved ones. Thank you for allowing me to attend her service and to say good bye to this wonderful Angel and thank you for sharing her pictures and memories.
Melanie Ickes RN SMH
My condolences to the Kanakis family. Kathy was a kind,warm and caring individual whom I had the privilege of working with. I will remember Kathy with a smile on her face and the caring touch of an angel.
Kathy was my next door neighbor when I was a child in NY. She, my blood sister Cathy, and I shared a beautiful childhood friendship. In adulthood, she became more like a sister to me. Her wisdom, authenticity, humility, humor, courage, and immense capacity to demonstrate love has, and will continue to be, a source of strength. My heart is broken, but I will be forever grateful that she shared her grace with me. She will always be with me.
Deepest condolences to the Kanakis family, my Allister next door neighbors and friends. I can't begin to explain the depth of this loss. We've been cheated of the company on planet Earth of a beautiful, compassionate woman with a strength of inner spirit and an integrity and authenticity that is so rare to find. My childhood best friend spoke her mind throughout her life, worked unbelievably hard to achieve her dreams, was so incredibly down to Earth words can't describe... She also loved to have fun and in this we were a match. Favorite memories: listening to "Grease," singing and acting out the words, smoking fake cigarettes and trying to be as cool as Olivia Newton John in leather... playing dolls as young girls and one day deciding to chop off Barbie's head for kicks and rolling that Barbie head down the N.Y. basement stairs... Just chillin' after school and snacks watching countless episodes of Mash and Gilligan's Island... Running from George and Nick's snowballs (actually, they were more ice balls that really stung when they hit you in the face :)), going to Greek bazaars with Kathy and her Mom, slumber parties staying up all night and watching horror movies, and maybe favorite memory of all: Kathy's teen visit to my Florida home, where we snuck off to the woods to a big party, drank too much beer, had to pee so went behind some trees not realizing until the next day that we had chosen an area infested with fire ants; next day had big red, painful welts on our teenage butts. Mrs. Kanakis witnessed the after party damage and I don't think I've ever heard a woman laugh as hard as she did that moment! My guess is that Kathy would want us to remember these light-hearted, fun and happy moments. I know that she is with us still and that she will continue to look over us and guide us as well as laugh with us and cry with us throughout our lifetimes till we meet again. Love to all...
Kathy was a dear friend during our GOYA days. Facebook brought us back in touch, and I loved catching up with her, from her time to New York to her move back to Miami. I would especially chuckle whenever she'd post how she would "go topless" on her drives! My heart goes out to the entire Kanakis and Katartzis families, and all of her colleagues and friends. Kathy was a beautiful person. May her memory be eternal.
I have way too many wonderful, hysterical & sweet memories to share just one. Kathy was a friend I could share anything with & never fear judgement from. We always "got" each other. I feel like I have lost, not only my best friend, but my sister. You, her family, are my family, too. I love you all like my own, & am so very sad we lost her so soon. I know she will always live on in our hearts & precious memories. I am here for you always, in any way you need me. The hole she leaves in our lives is huge, I know I will never meet anyone like her again. Until we meet her in heaven, at least we have each other. Love her & you more than words can express. Rest well in the arms of our savior & your Tasso, beautiful Kathy. You are so missed.
Thanks for the memories, Kathy!! See you later...
George,
I am so sorry to learn of Kathy's passing. When I first met her after we returned from Spain I was in love with her energy and spunk. As the years have passed she would reach out and touch base. Her friendship always remained loyal and true. She and my youngest daughter had a "farmville" friendship going for months. When we last saw her in NYC, she was still full of that energy and spunk that she had we I knew her UF. We had a great time riding through the city with the top down. We will always have such fond memories.
My deepest condolences to you, my sweet friend. May God comfort you and your family in your sadness.
Love,
The Millican Family
KATHY YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU AT NHO . MAY YOU REST IN PEASE MY FRIEND AND FLY WITH THE ANGELS.
LOVE ALWAYS DEBRA CAMILO
