Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 15, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Maria Kakavitsas Katsadouros was born on October 26, 1926, in Neohori, Evrytania, Greece, to Dimitrios and Ourania Kakavitsas.  From her earliest years, her life was shaped by the values of her Greek heritage, an unwavering devotion to family, and a deep and steadfast faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In 1971, Maria immigrated with her family to America in pursuit of a better life and greater opportunities for her children.  Eventually settling in Charlotte, North Carolina, she embraced her new home with gratitude while preserving the traditions, language, and faith of her Greek homeland.  She remained deeply thankful for the opportunities America provided for her family.

Maria knew her husband, Vasilios, from childhood, and their lives were joined in marriage in 1952.  Together, they built a life founded on love, understanding, faith, hard work, and a shared commitment to raising their four children with strong values and a sense of responsibility toward others.  Their marriage endured for 35 years until Vasilios' passing in 1987.

Maria helped in the family restaurant business the first few years in America.  Following retirement, she found great happiness in helping raise her grandchildren and spending time with the growing family she loved so dearly.  Her greatest accomplishment, in her eyes, was not measured by material possessions or professional achievements, but by the lives and values of the generations she helped nurture.

Her home was a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors.  Maria loved to cook, and sharing a meal was one of the many ways she expressed her affection for others.  No one was ever a stranger at her table, and no one left her home hungry.

Maria also had a special connection to the land, a reflection of her upbringing in the mountains of Greece. She lovingly tended to a flourishing garden filled with fresh vegetables, figs, chestnuts, and other fruits of her labor. Gardening was more than a pastime; it was another expression of her generosity and love.  She delighted in sharing her harvest with family, neighbors, and friends.  Just as she nurtured her garden with patience and care, she nurtured her family with unwavering devotion.

Maria passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her four loving children and their spouses: Konstantina (Dina) and Pericles Rousis of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dimitrios (Jimmy) and Eirini Katsadouros of Atlanta, Georgia; Sokratis and Dora Katsadouros of Flat Rock, North Carolina; and Konstantinos and Kathy Katsadouros of Tampa, Florida.

Maria was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Helen Amodio, Lambros Rousis, Dimitri Rousis, Vasili J. Katsadouros, Kostas J. Katsadouros, Maria P. Rousis, Maria N. Kaltsounis, Maria E. Cary, Vasili P. Katsadouros, and Philip S. Katsadouros.  She was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren; each of whom brought her tremendous joy and continued the family legacy she so lovingly helped create.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vasilios, her parents, Dimitrios and Ourania Kakavitsas, and her six siblings.

The family acknowledges the wonderful care Maria received from Hospice of Carolina Caring and gratitude goes specifically to Rebecca Price, RN and Jade Caseres, RN.

Funeral services for Maria will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  Following the interment the family invites all to a Makaria luncheon in memory of Maria at Elatos Park, 125 Jim Parker Road, Monroe, NC 28110.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Holy Trinity Memorial Foundation or The Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel Memorial Fund in honor of Maria's lifelong devotion to her Greek Orthodox faith and community.

May the Lord grant her eternal rest among the righteous, where there is neither pain, sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.

Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.

Memory eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.