Evelyn (Evanthia) Kotanides

August 21, 1933 – November 7, 2022

Evelyn Kotanides, nee Papadopoulos, of Canton, Oh, age 89, passed away on Monday, November 7, 2022 surrounded by her children. Born in Canton to the late Kyriakos "Peter" and Effie (Yossifides) Papadopoulos and being one of the six 'Papadopoulos sisters of Canton', she is the beloved wife of the late John (Dutch) Kotanides and loving mother of the late Peter John (PJ). Evelyn was also preceded in death by her infant brother Chrysostomos, sisters Alice Samartgedes and Sylvia Papadopoulos, nephew David Smith, great nephew Nathan, sister-in-laws Sophia and Parthena Kotanides and brother-in-laws Andy Mottas and Steve Samartgedes.

She is survived by her children; Karen, Karl & Lori Kotanides and John Jr and sisters; Argery (Phil) Giavasis, Kay Smith and Tina (Jerry) Fortune and sister-in-laws Maroula Mottas and Elbus (Chris) Kellamis. Evelyn is the proud grandmother of Troy Kotanides and Shayla (Reid) Lamport. Shayla and Reid's son Greyson, Evelyn's great grandson, brought her so much joy the past year. She is also survived by two godchildren; Gregory Smith and Diana (Fortune) Kuty, Uncle Sam Yossifides, and many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was a graduate of Timken Vocational High School. She was a life-long member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, being a member of the choir for decades, the Koraes Ladies Society, Holy Trinity Senior Citizens.

Evelyn raised four great children for years before she began her careers working first for the Board of Education, then in her later years, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Judge Williams. She retired in October of 1998 after 15 years of service to the Federal Judiciary. In her spare time, she loved to bowl and garden, as well as travel throughout the country. Evelyn had a kind heart and never a bad word to say about anyone. She taught us to be grateful for what we had and to always help the less fortunate. How lucky we were to call her mom.

Rest in peace dear mother. Say hi to dad and PJ.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, November 10th, from 10 am to 11 am at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (Canton, Oh). Services to follow at 11 am with Rev. Fr. Nicholas Halkias officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Evelyn's name may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Thank you to the wonderful staff of St. Luke - we love you.