Katherine L. Bertone

On Thursday, 3 March, 2023, Katherine peacefully passed away into the arms of God at age 75, with her loving husband Tom at her side. Kathy was a devoted mother to our children John and Angela. Kathy loved children, especially grandson Gaetano and our granddaughter Gianna. Her love knew no bounds.

Katherine’s correct name is spelled Catherine; US Immigration in Los Angeles had it correct; but her social security card was misspelled and SS is considered legally accurate. Katherine was born to John and Chrisula Lychnara on 20 April 1947, at their small village home in St. George; just outside of Volos Greece.

Kathy decided at the early age of 17 years to move away from her village home to seek employment in Volos, Greece, at her uncle’s seaside home and olive factory. She lived at her uncle’s home for about 5 years doing various jobs, working at the Greek Embassy and as a cardiologist’s nurse at the local hospital in Volos. Kathy had decided that she wanted to live in America and at the first opportunity upon meeting aunt Hellen Callas, originally from the village of St. George, Greece; asked her for help to immigrate and marry in America.

Aunt Hellen Callas was aunt to my second cousin’s wife Stella Cefalia. Stella knew I was a bachelor and suggested there was little difference comparing an Italian girl to a Greek girl; it’s the same part of the world. Stella arranged a Greek dinner at Aunt Hellen’s home and I was introduced after dinner to a table with photos of girls desiring to immigrate immediately; all were scary looking. Lastly, she brought out the photo of Kathy and I immediately said Yes!

This was a family arranged marriage by second cousin Stella Cefalia married to my second cousin Joseph Cefalia. Stella was sure Kathy was the right person for me. I was also assured if for any reason we were not compatible, I would be refunded the one-way TWA air fair $508.60 and Stella would find another man for Kathy to marry.

About 2 weeks later, Kathy arrived at LAX on May 1969 via a one-way flight from Athen’s, Greece. Kathy only spoke Greek and was certainly excited to be in America. Upon meeting her at LAX, she immediately hugged and kissed me. After a 45 minute drive, we arrived at Kathy’s Aunt Helen's home in Whittier, CA, where she stayed until we were married.

At that time, getting married to a Greek citizen was a far more difficult process than expected, since US Immigration rules required Kathy to return to Greece in order to obtain USA permanent residence status, a “green” card, and then return here to get married; about a two year long process. That process was sidestepped by the Los Angeles Chief of Immigration personally and Kathy obtained her Green card without returning to Greece.

In the midst of all the preparation for marriage; we dated on three occasions. Okay, Kathy did not speak any English, and I didn't speak a word of Greek. We communicated with this book, pointing to words of translation. I was only to learn later that nodding the head up and down is “no” in Greek and side to side means “yes”.

Our first dinner date was at General Lee’s Restaurant in ChinaTown, Los Angeles. Kathy was a bit apprehensive about Chinese food and she had never eaten Chinese. General Lee’s restaurant is no doubt, the best Chinese restaurant in China Town Los Angeles; however Kathy was reluctant to try the different dishes.

Katherine was introduced to Fr. Paul M. Caporali, SDB, who required her to attend 3-4 meetings with him in preparation for a Catholic marriage. Kathy excelled and made a lifelong friend in Fr. Paul. After much ado with family wanting to help with wedding plans, we were “first” married at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Rosemead CA, on 2 August 1969. Our second marriage was at the Greek Orthodox Church, also in Rosemead, CA. Our second cousins, Joe and Stella Cefalia participated in the Greek Orthodox ceremony which included Kathy attempting a “foot-stepping” maneuver during the ceremony.

Our first home was my bachelor apartment in El Monte, CA, where Kathy quickly learned to speak English listening to ‘I Love Lucy”, her favorite tv show; along with watching the movies, “Godzilla and Son of Godzilla”! We lived in El Monte, CA, for about 4 months; then moved to Whittier, Ca, across the street from Aunt Penelope, Stella’s mother. We purchased our first home in Whittier. Our son John arrived in 1971, followed by Angela in 1975. In 2006, we moved from Whittier, CA, to Foley, Alabama. In 2009, we purchased a home in Leander, Texas, to be closer to daughter Angela and family.

Kathy loved gardening and spent considerable time and effort digging into the hard Whittier soil to plant a garden. Kathy tilled half the yard for a garden and planted all that was needed to feed a growing family, including the neighborhood. Sharing was something she was happy to do. On one occasion, I found what looked like weeds growing and wow, did I catch it for pulling out her Greek green bean plants growing from seeds sent to her from her mother in Greece. During our life together, we raised chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

Kathy’s traditional Greek cooking was enjoyed for many many years by family and friends alike; especially her grape leaf domas, lemon chicken and Baklava. Kathy only made Greek fruitcake once; on the Monday I returned to work following our first week of marriage. The fruitcake was a solid rock; she had mistakenly used Arm & Hammer plaster, thinking it was baking soda. When our family visited Volos Greece in 1978, I found an identical Greek labeled Arm & Hammer baking soda box at the village market.

When God blessed us with Grandchildren, Kathy’s world changed. Kathy loved her grandson Gaetano, he meant the world to her. When little Gianna came into this world, Kathy was ecstatic and flew to live with John and Elisa in Long Beach, CA, to help care for Gianna during her first months. I think her only regrets were that she did not live closer to Gianna and that she did not get to return to Greece to see her homeland before she passed.

Kathy’s named her first silkie terrier puppy dog “Ollie”, and he was thoroughly spoiled by her. Ollie was a very affectionate dog; his favorite spot was sitting in Kathy's lap having his back and tummy rubbed while they watched TV serials.

Kathy was a gentle soul who loved and was loved by all. Unfortunately, Kathy suffered from Dementia. As with so many with this horrible disease, people with dementia often want to say something but are unable to organize their thoughts or even form the words. I often wondered if Kathy didn’t resort back to her native language. Additionally, her Dementia caused her personality to change. It transformed my wonderful, loving, gentle wife into another person. Whatever dementia brought to Kathy – loss of memory, apparent changes from the predementia self, decreasing ability to respond to others – I know that her essential identity as ‘my wife’ and her saving faith were both safe in Christ.

Being with Kathy in her last years, brought me to a new understanding of how my wife always took care of me. It was in her suffering and darkness that I learned to pray and trust in God’s will. In spite of this terrible illness, Kathy gracefully faced her final days. Her bravery and strength filled me with the hope of faith; I know that she is whole and at peace with the Lord. I will always love her.