Catherine Doumazios

Born in Crete, Ekaterini carried the spirit of her homeland with her throughout her life. At just 14 years old, she left her village and traveled to Athens in search of a better life. There, she worked as a nurse’s assistant, where her extraordinary loving heart found a way to care for and comfort others. She was loved by all she touched, and her kindness became one of the defining qualities of her life.

Through remarkable determination and hard work, Ekaterini purchased her first property in Athens at only 15 years old. She would later build a house there, a testament to the courage and independence she possessed from such a young age.

Ekaterini’s life also held unimaginable heartache. After the devastating loss of her two baby girls at birth, she and her beloved husband, Elias, made the courageous decision to seek a new beginning in America. Together with their son, Konstantinos, they left for the opportunities and change of environment that America offered. Konstantinos would later pass away at the age of 53, bringing another profound loss to Ekaterini’s heart.

She also endured the tragic loss of her beloved daughter-in-law, Kyriaki, at 35 years old. Kyriaki was the mother of Ekaterini’s granddaughter, her namesake, Katerina. After Kyriaki’s passing, Ekaterini stepped into a deeply loving and protective role in Katerina’s life. Alongside Katerina’s other grandmother, Vaso, Ekaterini helped surround Katerina with love, guidance, and care. In time, Ekaterini became much more than a grandmother to Katerina—she became a mother figure, a source of comfort, strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. Their bond was extraordinarily special and will remain a treasured part of Katerina’s life forever.

In America, Ekaterini and Elias built a life centered on family, perseverance, and love. They welcomed their second son, Theodoros, and created a home where kindness and compassion were always at the heart of everything they did. Ekaterini taught her family—and everyone fortunate enough to know her—what true kindness looks like. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone and believed deeply in living with a loving spirit. She appreciated the little things in life like the birds chirping outside, or the flowers blooming in the spring. She would make sure her family knew how to cherish those little things too. Her heart was amongst the purest and her family is eternally thankful for her love.

Ekaterini and Elias shared 64 years of marriage, a lifetime of devotion and partnership. In the final years of Ekaterini’s life, health challenges made her increasingly dependent on others for help with the daily tasks of life. Elias lovingly and selflessly took on the role of her caretaker. He did so without hesitation and without thought for himself. At 90 years old, he did everything for her with a full heart and with no hesitation. He wanted Ekaterini to remain at home, close to him and surrounded by the life and family she loved. He refused outside help whenever possible in order to protect her dignity and preserve her independence, caring for her with patience, devotion, and tenderness. His unwavering dedication helped keep her close, comfortable, and cared for for as long as possible. His care was perhaps the final and most profound expression of the love they had shared for 64 years. They taught their family the definition of love and family.

Ekaterini is survived by her beloved husband, Elias; her son, Theodoros; her daughter-in-law, Kerri, whom Ekaterini touched with her love and embraced as family; and her five grandchildren, Gabriella, Katerina, Sophia, Robert, and Elias. She is also survived by her grandson-in-law, Joe, husband of Katerina. Ekaterini’s love was never limited by blood. She welcomed the people who became part of her family with an open heart and made them feel deeply loved.

Ekaterini was much more than a grandmother to her grandchildren. She was a second mother, offering unconditional love, wisdom, guidance, and a place where they always felt safe and cherished. Every weekend, her house was full of her grandchildren from Friday to Sunday. It was what she looked forward to all week. She did it with the fullest heart, and she would thank God multiple times a day for the health of her family.

Her foundation was purely faith, love, and family.

Ekaterini’s greatest legacy is not measured by what she owned or accomplished, but by the love she gave. She taught those around her to be kind, to forgive, to help others, and to never speak poorly of anyone. She showed that even after experiencing poverty, unimaginable loss, and hardship, a person can continue to choose love.

Her family will carry her legacy forward by living as she taught them—with kindness, compassion, generosity, forgiveness, and a loving spirit.

Ekaterini was loved by all she touched, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, in-laws, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

May her memory be eternal.

Αιωνία η μνήμη της.

Visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, US, on August 21, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church, 196-10 Northern Blvd, New York, NY 11358, US, on August 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow at Flushing Cemetery, 163-06 46th Ave, New York, NY 11358, US, on August 21, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.