Catherine Dabanlis Dameris

Catherine Dabanlis Dameris was born on the 30th of August 1935, in Galveston, Texas, to parents Peter and Theodosia Dabanlis, and passed away in Houston on Sunday, the 31st of December 2023. She was 88 years of age. Catherine always said that the reason she was always so happy was because she was born in Galveston.

At the University of Texas, she met Thano Dameris, the love of her life. Their initial encounter at a BBQ, where Thano was laboring over the grill, cooking for everyone, set the stage for their extraordinary union. Catherine, rather than being a mere guest, joined him in serving, marking the beginning of their enduring partnership and love story. Married on the 30th of June 1955, they navigated life's ebbs and flows together, nurturing an expanding family, dear friends, and their church community for 49 beautiful years.

Catherine's devotion to education shone brightly. As a pioneering figure at Annunciation Orthodox School, she not only taught but composed the school's iconic song. After her children's college years, she pursued her love for travel, becoming a respected travel agent whose dedication earned her the title of Austrian Special Consultant by the Austrian Embassy.

Her commitment to service knew no bounds. Actively involved at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, she served diligently in various roles, from the Philoptochos Society to teaching Sunday school, volunteering for the Greek Festival, and even aiding heart patients as a translator in Houston. Catherine's altruism was boundless; her willingness to help was a testament to her selflessness. Her impact, immeasurable, reached countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that remains unmatched.

Catherine is predeceased in death by her parents, by her husband, Thano; and her beloved son, Thad.

She was the proud parent of Vicki (Chris) Economou, Thad (Sarah) Dameris, Peter (Helene) Dameris and Denise (Charles) Hazen. She was the adored Yiayia of Demetri, Thane, Caitlin, Elizabeth, Claire, John, Thomas, James, Isabella, Catherine and Nicholas. She was blessed to be Yiayia Booboo (great-grandmother) to John, Eleni, Kahani, Stelliana and Nico. Every single one of her grandchildren loved spending as much time with her as they could and modeled their lives after hers. She lived to be a mother and Yiayia and her family were her whole world and are indeed her legacy.

Catherine's life was a testament to her favorite saying, "To know life you must love many things." Her infectious smile, humor, and unwavering positivity earned her the endearing title of the "universal yiayia." Her love for family, faith, friends, and the world's beauty defined her existence.

The visitation will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 13th of January, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard in Houston, where the funeral service is to commence at eleven o'clock with cathedral clergy officiating.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to a Makaria luncheon in the nearby Martel Hall to celebrate Catherine’s life.

The family will then gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be directed to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (agoc.org); to Assumption of the Virgin Mary (assumptiontx.org); or to Aspire Accessories (www.thehubhouston.org).

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below.