It is with profound sorrow that we inform you that October 24, 2023 marked the end of the earthly life of Catherine (Elpitha) Zoumbas and we commend to almighty God the immortal soul of his faithful servant.
Catherine (Elpitha) Zoumbas was the beloved wife of the late Gregory Zoumbas, devoted mother of son, Jim Zoumbas, loving Aunt of nieces Joanne (Elias) Matsakis and Tina (Gregory) Riemer, Dina Fellhauer, and nephews Tom Dafnides and Denny (Toni) Dafnides, proud daughter of the late Thomas and Athina Dafnides, and sister of the late Christopher (Antigone) Dafnides, the late Stephen (Sevasti) Dafnides, and the late Matthew (Despina) Dafnides.
Catherine (Elpitha) was born in Titusville, PA and, at 6 months of age, moved to the village of Paleopiryos in Epiros, Greece where she spent a simple, but happy childhood until World War II intruded. After 4 years of privation and the war’s end, she moved to Titusville, PA, then to Erie, PA, where Catherine (Elpitha) got her first job working at the Marx Toy Company.
While vacationing in New York, she met Gregory Zoumbas to whom she became engaged and was married in January 1959. Son, Jim, soon followed in October 1959. When her husband contracted a neurological illness and became incapacitated, Catherine (Elpitha) not only provided for the family, but also attended her ailing husband and maintained the household as well. The caregiver function became particularly challenging as Gregory’s health worsened and Catherine had to perform such tasks as raising Gregory from his bed. Their 20 year marriage and life in Glen Cove, NY came to an end with Gregory’s passing in 1979.
Catherine (Elpitha) moved to St. Louis in 1980 to be closer to her mother and father, her brothers and their families. She worked in manufacturing, food service and child care after which she retired. The last position was especially rewarding, as she loved working with young children. Even after retirement, when she would see young children in public, she would compliment them and their parents, and, occasionally, engage them in play.
For years Catherine (Elpitha) was active in Assumption Greek Orthodox Church’s Friday luncheons, where she helped prepare and serve food to the public, enjoyed conversation with patrons and camaraderie with other members of the Greek Orthodox community until her reluctant departure due to health issues. Her final days were with her son at her side.
The memorial service will be on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Rd., Town and Country, MO. Visitation will be at 11:00am, funeral service at 12:00pm, interment at St. Matthew Cemetery.
As an alternative to other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to:
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
1755 Des Peres Rd.
Town and Country, MO 63131
or
Alzheimer’s Association
Att: Donor Services
225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th FL.
Chicago, IL 60601
Jimmy, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful neighbor to Valerie and me. My children remember her fondly. I thought of her often after we left the old neighborhood.