Obituary of Katheren Armatas

Katheren: disciple, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, pharmacist, writer, reader, sport's fan, dreamer… Katheren was known for her love of family and people, empathy and kindness, big smile, contagious laugh and warm greetings to strangers and newcomers. She was born in Tacoma, Washington on October 24, 1930, daughter of Greek immigrants. She was a graduate of Stadium High School, Class of 1948 and University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Class of 1952. Her career encompassed hospital, clinical, and retail fields through 45 years of practice. In 1954, she married her beautiful husband, Paul Armatas, and had 3 children. Katheren was a faithful follower of Christ and lifelong member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma. In 2015, the Grand Lodge of the Daughters of Penelope awarded her with the title of Life Member in recognition of over 50+ years of outstanding service and dedication to the ideals and principles of the organization. She was also a dedicated member of the philanthropic organization, Philoptochos Society. As a UW alumnus, she was an avid Husky football fan. Katheren was a member of the Washington State Historical Society, Tacoma Historical Society, and Tacoma Historical Writers. She participated in the "All My Somedays" project, writing her family autobiography, "A Lingering Breeze from Marmara Sea" and contributed to "Tacoma Voices of the Past." Katheren's travels took her to Spain, Italy, Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt, Jerusalem, and numerous states. She now completes her long journey, rejoining her husband Paul, as she enters the Kingdom of God. She was preceded in death by her parents Lascos and Maria Sarantinos and her husband, Paul (1995). She is survived by her brother, Dr. Angelo Sarantinos (Angela); her son, Jonathan Randie (Laurie); her son, Fr. Daniel (Maria); her daughter, Roxanne; her grandchildren, Tara (Cory), Brandon (Mindy), Hilary, Damien, Christian, Jesse, Andrew, and Timothy; her great grandchildren, Samuel and Maxwell, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. For further background, words of Katheren, and videos see: http://greeksinwashington.org/collections/armatas.html "With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Thy servant, where sickness and sorrow are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting." Memory Eternal