Katherine "Katina"

Mandas

In Loving Memory of Katherine “Katina” Mandas August 29, 1932 – November 6, 2026 Fierce in spirit. Strong in heart. Boundless in love.

Katherine “Katina” Mandas, affectionately known to all who loved her as Thea Katina, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, treasured stories, and a legacy of extraordinary strength, resilience, and love. Born on August 29, 1932, in the village of Kitherida, Crete, Greece, to Dimitrios and Athena Mandalenakis, Katina carried the heart and soul of her beloved Crete with her throughout her 94 years. Her roots were deep, her spirit unbreakable, and her love for her family and heritage immeasurable. From a young age, Katina demonstrated the determination that would define her life. At just 15 years old, she began working as a beautician in Heraklion to help support her family. It was the beginning of a lifetime marked by hard work, independence, sacrifice, and an unwavering will to persevere. No matter what life placed before her, Katina found a way to rise, to carry on, and to face another day. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her beautiful sister, Maria Callas; her brother, Michael Mandas; her brothers-in-law, Manoli Callas and Charles McCullough; and her beloved nephew, Dimitri McCullough. She leaves behind her cherished sister, Penny, who will miss her terribly, and her devoted best friend, Barb, whose friendship and steadfast presence brought her tremendous comfort and joy. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to the best doctor in the world, Dr Kevin Hill, who cared tirelessly for my aunt over the last many years. Katina was a beloved aunt to Gus Callas, Athena (Biagio) Gallo, Jim Callas, Koula Callas, Athena (Taki) Diamantis, Michael (Michelle) McCullough, and Katerina (Bryan) McGann. She also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews, both in the United States and abroad, along with countless friends whose lives were touched by her warmth, wisdom, and unforgettable personality. To know Katina was to know a woman of remarkable character. She was kind and loving, yet fierce and formidable. She possessed a strength that could not be measured and a spirit that refused to surrender. She was a storyteller, a keeper of family history, and a proud daughter of Crete. She could captivate you with tales of generations past, break into a traditional Cretan mantinada, or passionately school you on the history of her beloved homeland. Through her stories and songs, she kept her heritage alive and passed its richness on to those fortunate enough to listen. She was, in every sense of the word, a fighter. Fierce, strong, and mighty until the very end. And yet, beneath that fierce exterior was a heart filled with tenderness and love. When asked how she wished to be remembered, Katina’s answer was simple: as someone who was kind and loving, but also strong and resilient. Those who knew her will remember her as all of those things—and so much more. In her final days, Katina spoke joyfully of seeing her father, mother, sister, and brother, who had gone before her. With happiness and anticipation, she asked, “Why aren’t I going to them now? I am ready.” Her family lovingly reassured her: “They are preparing a feast for you, Thea. And when they are ready, you will go home.” What a beautiful homecoming it must have been. A table surrounded by those she had missed for so long, filled with laughter, familiar voices, stories of Crete, and the warmth of a family reunited. Katina’s earthly journey may have ended, but her spirit lives on—in every family story retold, every Cretan song sung, every lesson remembered, and every act of courage and love inspired by her remarkable life. She taught us that strength is not the absence of suffering, but the courage to rise in spite of it. That love transcends time and distance. And that no matter how far we travel from our beginnings, our roots remain a part of who we are. Rest now, our beloved Thea Katina. Your work here is done. The feast is ready, and you are finally home. Αιωνία της η μνήμη. May her memory be eternal. Family and friends are invited to gather in loving remembrance of Katina on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 251 25th St NW in Canton, Ohio from 10 to 11 am with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am, Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in loving memory of Katherine “Katina” Mandas. Ο Θεός να την αναπαύσει 🙏❤️