Ekaterena "Kathy" Maria Kartsonis

Ekaterena "Kathryn" Maria Kartsonis, 80 of Riverview, Florida left this life on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Kathryn was born to George and Asemoula Pavlos in Tooele, Utah on May 31, 1944. The youngest of three, with brothers, Louis and John, she was the only daughter of Greek immigrants. She spoke of her childhood as impoverished, lonely and challenging. Perhaps, as a result, those who knew her, knew that Kathy had a highly developed sense of empathy and understanding for anyone who felt small and unseen-be they human or animal.

Bullied as a child, she became the kind of person who was a haven for those she felt were mistreated.

She devoured books and entered the comfort of the worlds they offered, and passionately encouraged education for her daughters and grandchildren.

A graduate of South High School, she lived in Salt Lake and worked at Walker Bank.

Sixty-one and a half years ago, as a favor to a friend, Kathy agreed to go on a blind double-date where she met a baby-faced Greek boy recently immigrated from Xania, Crete. George Kartsonis describes seeing Kathy for the first time and how her smile took hold of him then and for the next 61 years of their marriage.

They married on September 15, 1963 and had three daughters: Sophia, Antonia and Christina.

George and Kathy's marriage was one of true, deep friendship. They loved cooking together, watching Greek t.v. and laughter. Their relationship set a high standard for what a marriage of true minds means, and their daughters could only marvel (and in the best way, envy) at such a beautiful partnership. Even now, George proclaims "I married the most beautiful woman in Salt Lake City" & "She was my best friend."

They struggled through lean times and the long hours of working at and finally running restaurants, even moving to Evanston, Wyoming for many years where together, they operated The Last Outpost. He with the long days in the kitchen, and she keeping the books and managing their home. Many late nights, she flew fingers over a ten-key adding machine as they totaled up their days.

Kathy, as her friends called her, worked for years at TransWestern Insurance and later, at TransAmerica. She made friends easily and carries some large and lifetime friendships from that time.

Later, after moving back from Wyoming and selling the restaurant, Kathy returned to work at the Salt Lake County Sheriff's office and later, the District Attorney.

A quick learner with a sharp mind, despite the long hiatus and the need for internet skills, Kathy entered the workforce at over 50 and quickly excelled.

Again, she made significant friendships, and as always, provided, love, comfort and good cheer to those around her. Selfless nearly to a fault, generous and kind to her core. She loved to laugh and her practical-joke-loving husband, George supplied his "Katareenee" with all-manner humor from caricatures drawn

on bananas, to his various silly brands of comedy. (Some of his jokes more appreciated than others)

In later years, they relocated to Florida to enjoy time with their grandchildren and two of their three daughters.

Kathy was articulate and eloquent. Bright and clever, with a lively, ever-young voice, her conversational skills were unmatched. To talk with her was to enjoy true connection and communication. Her daughters will always miss her daily phonecalls and treasure her beautiful handwritten recipes that fill dozens of notebooks.

She is survived by husband, George Kartsonis, daughters Antonia Kartsonis and Christina Mckinnon (Joe) all of Tampa, Florida, and eldest daughter, Sophia Kartsonis (Mitch) of Columbus, Ohio. Grandchildren: Evan George, Miranda Karina, and Keira Joy Mckinnon. Siblings: Louis and John Pavlos of Salt Lake City. Numerous cousins of Kirra,Greece.

Kathryn was predeceased by her parents: George and Asemoula Pavlos of Kirra,Greece. Also, her beloved dogs, notably, Gizmo and Simba.

In light of her love of animals, memorial donations can be directed to Takis Shelter in Crete, Greece https://takisshelter.org or First Ladies Farm Sanctuary of Riverview, FL https://firstladiesfarm.com.