Catalina Doukas

Catalina “Lina” Doukas, 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in Grover Beach, California, on Monday, October 26, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, William “Bill” Doukas.

A Life Together: Bill and Lina

Bill and Lina met in Albuquerque, New Mexico, while Bill was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base. After marrying in Albuquerque, they spent three years living in Tripoli, North Africa, where Bill served overseas in the United States Air Force. They eventually settled in Fresno, California, where Bill had been born and raised, and built a loving home in Tarpey Village, where they raised their five children.

Together, Bill and Lina embraced a full and joyful family life. They loved dining out, dancing, camping in the mountains and along the coast, fishing, and participating in the many activities that brought their family and community together. School events, YMCA Guides and Maidens, sports, music, neighborhood gatherings, and countless parties and celebrations filled their years with wonderful memories and lasting friendships. Lina's devotion to her family shined when gathering for meals. Learning from growing up in a large family how to cook authentic New Mexican cuisine and learning from Grandpa Doukas how to cook traditional Greek dishes, the family would gather for breakfast (with homemade tortillas, sopapillas and New Mexico hatch and red chili - mandatory large breakfast staples in our home) and holiday dinners, all so very special. She taught her children and grandchildren the recipes that will forever continue with her love shining through. Generations of recipes forever passed on.

Bill worked as a jet engine technician with the 144th Fighter Wing of the Fresno Air National Guard. The Guard became a second home to the Doukas family, providing the backdrop for many treasured memories, from Christmas and Easter celebrations to Monday Night Football at the NCO Club. These experiences, along with the friendships and traditions they shared, became an enduring part of the family’s story.

A Heart for Children

For more than 40 years, Lina lovingly operated Lina’s Daycare from her home in Tarpey Village, nurturing and caring for hundreds of children and giving them a wonderful start in life. Caring for children was more than her work; it was her calling. She was a nurturing mother in every sense of the word, and nothing brought her greater joy than being near a baby or toddler. The sight of a little one would light up her face and bring an unmistakable smile to her heart.

Through her daycare, Lina became a cherished part of countless families’ lives. Her warmth, patience, and natural gift for caring for children left a lasting impression on generations of little ones who were fortunate enough to spend their early years in her care.

Enjoying Life on the Central Coast

During the final five years of her life, while living on California’s beautiful Central Coast, Lina embraced the simple pleasures she loved most: dining out, enjoying a glass of champagne, listening to live music, and spending precious time with family and friends. She loved getting dressed up for an evening out and savoring every opportunity to enjoy life. Surrounded by the love and care of those closest to her, she was happy, comfortable, and content.

Her Beloved Family

Lina is survived by her five children: Catalena Rossotti and her late husband, Tim Rossotti; Elizabeth Doukas; Loretta Doukas; Sophia Doukas and her husband, Sheldon Gajarian; and Andy Doukas and his wife, Carrie Sims. She also leaves behind her two precious and cherished grandsons, Shaun Jones and Sterling Gajarian.

She held a special place in her heart for Felicia Phelan, a lifelong family friend whom Lina helped raise and who was lovingly regarded as her fifth daughter. She is also lovingly remembered by her longtime, dear friend Theresa Gaspar.

Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, of her 15 siblings, Lina is survived by her three brothers and their families, along with many nieces and nephews. She treasured these family connections and remained in close contact with several of her loved ones until just weeks before her passing. They held a special place in her heart, just as she did in theirs.

In her final years, Lina was showered with love, devotion, and tender care by her children and grandchildren. They delighted in making her happy, whether by taking her out to dinner, sharing a glass of champagne, or simply enjoying time together. These moments brought her great joy and reflected the deep love she had given so freely throughout her life.

Graveside Services and Memorial Wishes

In accordance with Lina’s wishes, graveside services will be held for immediate family only. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, William “Bill” Doukas, at Clovis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Lina’s memory to consider donating to programs that support children’s learning, growth, and development—a fitting tribute to a woman who devoted more than four decades of her life to caring for children.

The outpouring of love, kindness, and support the family has received has been a heartwarming reflection of Lina’s life and the many lives she touched. Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of children she nurtured, the family she cherished, the friendships she treasured, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

With full hearts, her family extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who loved Lina, cared for her, and shared in her life. Thank you for your kindness to our beloved Mom and Grandmother, Lina, and to all of us who were fortunate enough to love her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.