Katherine (Pappas) Billias, 95, of East Amherst New York, passed away peacefully at Elderwood of Williamsville Nursing Home on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Paul N. Billias, who predeceased her after over 50 years of marriage. Born in Hazelton PA on September 18, 1929, she was the daughter of the late George and Sophia Pappas. She was a devoted wife, mother, and YiaYia.
Paul and Katherine raised their family in Brooklyn NY before settling in North Babylon.
Katherine was raised in Brooklyn NY where she attended Erasmus High School. Early on Katherine had a short career as an executive assistant at 20th Century Fox. She was an active member of the PTA in her children's youth and a homemaker for many years before going to a nursing home in Rockville Centre NY, and then in Buffalo NY. As a conversationalist and wine enthusiast, she enjoyed entertaining family, friends and guests, and maintained life long friendships with Mary Tjimos (predeceased) and Jean Kalorumakis, whom she and her children considered family. In addition Paul and Katherine enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Marge and John DiGrazia (predeceased) who were also considered family.
Katherine is survived by her loving sons, Peter Billias and wife Rosanne, John Billias and wife Andrea, and Paul Billias and wife Karin; her eight cherished grandchildren, Matthew Billias and partner Brittany, Kathryn Sessions and husband Ian, Brian Billias and partner Leini (predeceased), Peter Billias, Christina Billias, Alexander Billias, Talia Billias and Maxim Billias. In addition to her husband Paul, Katherine was predeceased by her three siblings, Anthony, John and Christ Pappas.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Elderwood of Williamsville for their years of excellent care.
Calling hours will be on July 21, 2025 at 9:30 at Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home, 448 West Main St., Babylon, NY. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, located at 200 Great East Neck Rd, West Babylon, NY 11704. Burial to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, in Wading River, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to a charity of one’s choice.
