Ekaterini Panourgias, known as Kathy or Katina to everyone who loved her, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the Pavilion on Main in Sandwich, Illinois. She was 78 years old.

Kathy's story began in Neochori, Greece, where she was born on May 20, 1947. She met Teddy in Athens and married young. After Teddy left for America to establish himself, Kathy stayed behind and raised their two oldest boys before bringing them across the ocean to join him. The family spent a brief time in Chicago before settling in DeKalb, which would be her home for the next 40 years. For years, Teddy ran a Greek restaurant in town called It's Greek to Me, and Kathy was often there alongside him, helping however she was needed. Around town, she was also known as a prolific walker who simply loved being out on her feet.

She kept her Greek roots close to her heart. On any given day, you could find her kitchen smelling of traditional food, with Greek music or her favorite soap operas playing in the background. Kathy had a big, loud personality, and she loved nothing more than a good laugh.

She carried the weight of mental illness for most of her life, and she carried it with more courage than most people will ever be asked to find. Her sons choose to remember her at her best, as a wonderful mother who brought incredible energy and light into the world.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore "Teddy" Panourgias. She leaves behind her three sons, Chris, Gus, and Peter, who stood by her through everything; and her grandson, Liam.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral services. If you would like to honor Kathy's memory, the family asks that you extend some grace to someone fighting a mental health battle, or simply show an unexpected kindness to someone who needs it.