Katherine C. (Nyktas) Kapalko, age 72, of Canton, passed away peacefully and surrounded by friends and family on Saturday, April 9, 2022. She was born in Salem, Ohio on September 11, 1949, to the late Christian and Stavroula (Christofaris) Nyktas. She graduated from Salem High School in 1967 and attended Youngstown State University, where she received her associate degree in early child development. In 1972, she married her husband of 45 years, the late Dennis A. Kapalko, whom she loved and admired with all her heart.

She helped start the infant program at Children's Hospital in Akron. In her many years working with children, and later in social work, she always took pride in helping others and encouraging them to see the best in themselves. She enjoyed traveling, music, and antiques, and was extremely proud of her Greek heritage and how that impacted her life. She was a member of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, Ladies Philoptochos Society, and the Daughters of Penelope. Katherine participated in many events and enjoyed her time with many friends and family members, but above all else, she adored her four grandchildren and cherished every moment she spent as their "YIAYIA."

She is survived by her children, Athan Kapalko and Aliki (Kevin) Marchaza; her grandchildren, Aris Kapalko, Isabella Kapalko, Kamila Marchaza, and Alexcia Marchaza; her siblings, Elaine (Carl) Brubaker, Maria (Michael) Harrold, Antonia Culliton, and George (Cathy) Nyktas; and her many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, with services to follow at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas officiating. Interment will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Katherine's name to St. Haralambos Hellenic Dancers.