Katina Cravariotis
March 16, 2021
September 26, 1943 – March 14th, 2021
With a heavy heart we announce the passing of Katina Cravariotis on March 14th, 2021; beloved wife, mother and friend to all whose lived she touched. Katina is predeceased by her father George and her mother Constantina Apostolopoulos; she is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Dimitrios and her daughters Nia and Constantina.
Born on September 26, 1943 in Achaias, Greece, Katina is affectionately remembered by her relatives in Peta as a ‘Jill of all Trades’ working as a seamstress, a teacher and and as an agrarian–cultivating her family’s vineyard and olive fields; she was very proud to be part of her family’s high quality olive oil business. Amongst her many responsibilities, Katina also enjoyed caring for her aging grandparents, aunts and uncles; whom she fondly remembered until her recent passing.
After meeting her future husband Dimitrios, she followed her dream to ‘seek out new adventures’ by immigrating to Canada in 1970. Winnipeg, soon became home; where Katina and Dimitri pursued their love for cooking and creating a new family in the hospitality industry. Affectionately refered to as ‘Mama Katina’; she was the heart of Loona Rosa Restaurant for 32 years.
Mama Katina was most at home in the kitchen; and thus she inspired her husband to open a cozy family restaurant featuring her delicious home cooked meals. Known as a creative cook, Katina is best remembered for her ‘comfort food’ items on the menu: pizza, lasagna and various Greek dishes; mom made an amazing Baklava. A naturally warm and generous person, Katina inspired not only her family, but many people who came to visit ‘mama,’ Jimmy and ‘the girls’ for heaping portions of ‘comfort food’ served with love.
Constantina’s favourite childhood memory of her mother is sitting beside mom while she created new delicious cake recipes; to Tina’s amazement, mama didn’t write her ideas down on paper—and yet managed to remember every recipe!
Nia fondly remembers her mom generously providing home cooked meals to wonderful customers. Mom would never turn away ‘a guest’ at the restaurant; even when someone could not pay for their meal. Katina often said, ‘the person would come back later and pay when they could.’ They always did; often sharing a warm memory of mama with us. Katina’s loving heart and generous nature is remembered by many of our customers who became part of the ‘Loona family.’
Among Dimitrios’ favourite memories of his wife are her sense of humor, her tenacious spirit and her gently supportive nature; she was his rock carrying him through the many trials of life.
Katina drew her strength for the challenges of life from her positive Christian outlook; she often stated, “everything will be ok, God will be with us during the storm.”
Mom had the biggest heart and she had room in her heart for everyone who traveled across her path. Mama hooked people with her sweet smile and invited people stay for a awhile by sharing her delicious cooking and baked treats! Katina did not shy away from trying new things; she eagerly seeked out new adventures each and every day and she passed on her love for hospitality, her generosity and her love for textile art and gardening to her daughters.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful health care workers at the Sherbrooke and Central dialysis units at Health Sciences Centre for their many years of loving care they provided mom. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thank you to Father Nikolaos Tambakis and our family and friends for their loving support and care for Mama Katina. Mom we love you and you will live in our hearts always.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made ‘in loving memory of Catina Cravariotis’ to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 2255 Grant Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3P0S2.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Katina Cravariotis September 26 1943 – March 14th 2021..
Voyage Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba