Catherine Anastasios

Catherine Anastasios Obituary Catherine Anastasios (née Potsou), of St. Louis, Missouri, fell asleep peacefully in the Lord on October 24, 2025. Born in Paradeisi, Rhodes, Greece, to Michael and Maria (Papaoikonomou) Potsou. Catherine’s life was defined by faith, resilience, and love of family. Beloved wife of 62 years to Louis Christ Anastasios. Devoted mother to her daughter Maria Anastasios Tovrea (Perry). Loving Yiayia (grandmother) to her cherished grandchildren Philip and Katherine. Dear Thea (aunt) to Michael Potsou (Amy) and Thea/Nouna (aunt/godmother) to Manoli Potsou (Jessica). Sister-in-law to Stacy Potsou (Lou), Catholiki Nicolettou (Petros), and Katina Tsirakou (Joseph). She was dearly loved by many cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Michael Elias and Maria Potsou, and her brother Louis “Lou” Potsou. Early Life - In 1938, while pregnant, Catherine’s mother traveled alone to Greece to visit family for a short stay. When World War II broke out, she was unable to return to the United States. Catherine was born and spent her first eight years of her childhood in Rhodes before coming to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, in 1946, where she was united with her father for the first time. After her brother was born, the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 1950s. In 1955, Catherine’s father passed away. Still a teenager, Catherine left school to work to help support her mother (who did not speak English) and lovingly care for her younger brother. For 16 years, she worked at Stix, Baer & Fuller department store, quickly rising to the position of assistant manager. She also served as a Sunday School teacher at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, demonstrating her deep faith and compassion even at a young age. A Love Story - Catherine returned to Rhodes for the first time since her birth. While visiting, she was introduced to a young Rhodian named Loizos-and it was love at first sight. Two days later, on top of the castle of Lindos, they decided to marry. Their engagement was celebrated with family three days later, and a week later on Sunday, August 18, 1963, they were married at St. Nicholas Church in Paradeisi. Together, they built a life rooted in love, devotion and tradition as members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church since 1963. Catherine later joined the Daughters of Penelope. Over the years, they traveled extensively-returning often to Greece, celebrating anniversaries in Lindos and visiting Catherine’s beloved Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis on Symi. Family, Career, and Devotion - After eight years of hope, perseverance, and several surgeries, Catherine was blessed with her daughter, Maria Michelle, the miracle of motherhood she had long prayed for and cherished every day of her life. She began a successful career in real estate, becoming a top agent, assistant manager at three firms. She earned recognition as a Life Member of the Million Dollar Club, a testament to her dedication, warmth, and strong work ethic. Her brother, whom she helped raise like a son, married and was blessed with two boys, Mike and Manoli, who held a special place in Catherine’s heart. She cared and loved them as her own. Catherine also continued to devote herself to caring for her mother until her passing in 1992, showing the same compassion, patience, and strength that defined her throughout her life. With pride and joy, Catherine returned to Rhodes in 2003 to see her only daughter marry in Rhodes where her own love story began. It filled her heart with happiness to see her daughter begin a new chapter of life. Catherine and Louis retired prior to 2006 to care for their greatest blessings-their grandchildren, Philip and Katherine - nurturing in them a deep connection to their Greek heritage and Orthodox faith. Catherine took pride in bringing her daughter-and later her grandchildren-to Greece, sharing her roots, culture and traditions. Most recently, she was overjoyed to see Philip’s graduation from high school and begin college in Arizona, and equally proud to watch her namesake, Katherine, begin her senior year, apply to universities to pursue pediatrics and watch her perform her final graduation dance with the St. Nicholas Greek Dancers at the 2025 Labor Day Festival. A Life of Love and Light - Catherine loved to bake and prepare Greek delicacies, and her famous baklava became a sweet symbol of her love, shared every year with family and friends. Her greatest joy was her family, for whom she would sacrifice anything. As the matriarch and guiding light of her family, she will be remembered for her heart of gold, radiant smile, unconditional love and words of wisdom. She was loved by all for her warmth, generosity, and devotion to those around her. Her faith, love, kindness and cherished traditions will live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her. May her memory be eternal. Services: A visitation will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, at the St. Nicholas Family Life Center, 12550 S Forty Dr, St. Louis, MO 63141. Funeral Service will follow on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at the St. Nicholas Family Life Center, 12550 S Forty Dr, St. Louis, MO 63141. Catherine will be entombed at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it was Catherine’s wish that memorial tributes/donations be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - “The Next 100 Capital Campaign-FLC” https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/Form%2F58d4ff9b-81e2-4682-bb65-804d1eefff40 Give Online Here St. Nicholas Family Life Center 12550 South 40 Drive St. Louis, Mo 63141

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Catherine Anastasios

December 22, 1938 - October 24, 2025