Catina Kotsalis, 79, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Vancouver, BC. The eldest of seven children, she was born in Chania on the island of Crete, Greece in 1938 to Antonis and Argiro (Pagiavlas) Pitsos and immigrated to Canada in 1961. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, George Kotsalis, their daughters Panagiota (Michael), Argiro (Roger) and Demetra (Dan) and her siblings, George, Evangelia, Taki, Theo, Elenie and Georgia. Beloved “YiaYia” to seven adoring grandchildren – Gabriel (age 12), Olivia (age 11), Kyra (age 11), Zoe (age 9.5), Lucca (age 7), Neko (age 5) and Max (age 1.5). 
Her family was everything to her, and her life was enhanced by a rich and diverse network of friends across the globe. A woman of faith and conviction, she was a voracious reader who never ceased feeding her thirst for knowledge. A wonderfully talented cook, she always made enough to feed a village and had a special knack for making others feel at home. She moved at her own pace (chatting with everyone she met along the way) and did things in her own unique manner to the end. She fought fiercely to stay with us as long as she possibly could, and strongly imprinted herself on each of her Grandchildren. Everyone who knew her will remember her enormous infectious smile and warm loving spirit. She will be greatly missed but forever remembered. Special thanks to all of her doctors and to the outstanding staff at St. John Hospice for their exceptional care to the end.
A private cremation will be held shortly, to be followed by a Celebration of Life at 3pm on July 15, 2018 at the Surrey Seventh Day Adventist Church, 8520 132nd St., Surrey, BC . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society – Metastatic Breast Cancer Fund at www.cbcf.org or to ADRA at www.adra.ca.
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John Rokakis
Rest In Peace dear aunt Catina. You will be forever be remembered in all our hearts for your kind and thoughtful loving demeanour. You are loved by everyone who had the pleasure of your company.
Sophie Rokakis
We keep the love within us for eternity, that’s all we take with us on the journey of life.
Thea Catina I will treasure my time with you, I know how resilient the PITSOS women are, the love we hold for each.
Love and prayers to my uncle George and to my beautiful cousins and OUR FAMILY…………
#RichesOfLife
Harry and Helen Katevatis
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
May your memories give you all peace and comfort.
Theresa Pascuzzi Cryderman
Catina was our angel who cared for our two young children so I could return to work part time. Somehow, during our first meeting I just knew that there was plenty of room in Catina’s heart to love our son, Daniel and a few years later to love our daughter, Sarah. I had already met and interviewed many caregivers but nobody had a heart like Catina’s! She had a way of making everyone feel good. I will never forget the day I picked up Daniel and Catina had to tell me that he spent most of it crying…VERY loudly. Before I could even start to apologize, feel badly or feel guilty about being a working mom… Catina told me how very proud she was of Daniel. That he could cry so fiercely for so long showed his strength of character. And this, according to Catina, was a very important skill that he would need later in life. Wow – that’s angel Catina talking! On Sarah’s first day in Catina’s care, she scrambled up the stairs so fast that she didn’t even bother to turn and say goodbye to me! Horrified and close to tears, I looked over at Catina. She simply laughed, gave me a hug and said that I must have done a good job if Sarah was already this comfortable leaving her mommy. Catina would often comment on how much our children enjoyed the okra/stuffed
tomatoes/dates/figs etc they had eaten that day. We credit her for the healthy appetites that Daniel and Sarah developed while in her care and I loved sharing food and recipes with her. Our heartfelt condolences to George and all the family. We will always remember our angel Catina.
Theresa, Larry, Daniel and Sarah Cryderman
Barb Garnis
Catina, now an angel in heaven, her enthusiam, energy and determination at work in ways we do not know, but Without a doubt she is very involved. Being our neighbor (our daughters are good friends) for many years, Catina was always ready to stop whatever she was doing to chat. “Come in sit, sit she would say, have some special tea” . Always generous, friendly and such a gentle lady. Thoughts & prayers to George & family. Rest in peace Catina.
Cheryl Stein
Catina was an extremely kind and caring woman who provided a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. With our sincere condolences to you, George, and your family. Catina will forever remain in our hearts and memories.
Love, Cheryl, Ron and Kerry Stein