Catherine Merritt

Catherine Merritt, age 91, of Palmetto, Florida passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023. She was born Katerina Kasapoglou at home in Neo Faliro, Piraeus, Greece on a Saturday morning to her parents Dimitria Dimitrakopoulo & Mixalios Kasapoglou.

Catherine was a remarkable, First-generation immigrant whose journey from Greece to a new horizon exemplified courage, resilience and love. Born with a spirit of compassion and generosity, she found pleasure in providing for others in her career of hospitality. Her servant’s heart led to her volunteering on her days off at the local hospital and animal shelters.

Her pleasant personality was contagious to all that she met. She was known to be truthful, straightforward, upright and God fearing. Life wasn’t always easy for her, twice widowed, she pushed forward and was the epitome of hard work and perseverance. She had a strong work ethic that served adopted by her immediate family.

After having lived in Chicago, Illinois for 52 years, she yet again had to start over and moved to Florida in 2008. Although initially the transition was a difficult one, it ended up being the biggest blessing in disguise as she was able to live out the 16 years of her life surrounded by her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her only daughter, Loretta Ortiz, her grandchildren, Lydia and husband Noel Ramos, Jason Colon and wife Edna Martinez, Katrina Ortiz, Carlos Phillips, and Carletta “Jazmine” Phillips, her great-grandchildren, Destiny Ramos, Dimitrius Ramos, Joceli Ortiz, Christian Ortiz, Anthony Gonzalez, Kamela Vegas, and Lennox Taylor, her brothers Stavros Papamarinopoulos, nephew Alexandros and niece Artemis Papamarinopoulos.

She passed away at the age of 91, holding the hand of her beloved daughter and surrounded by her loving family members who will continue to honor her by living their lives to the fullest. Although we have lost Yia Yia in the physical sense, her soul remains with us, watching over and guiding us on our journey through life. May we find peace knowing that Katerina is now in a place of eternal love and light.

A funeral service for Catherine will be held Friday, August 25, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.groover-funeral-home.com for the Merritt family.