Obituary of Sotiria Catacalos

Sotiria “Rita” Catacalos 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Boonton Care Center on Monday, January 21, 2019.  

She was born in Thessaloniki, Greece on May 23, 1927.  She came to America in 1947, without speaking English, leaving everything she knew for a better life.  Planting her Greek roots firmly, she was never ashamed of her culture and didn't try to Americanize herself to fit in.  The Matriarch that she became, she dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren, always helping others.   

She lived in Maplewood for more than 50 years, prior to residing in Boonton. Rita was a working mother, a seamstress, often crafting her own original designs.  She had many other talents.  She became a proud U.S. American citizen – her American Dream. 

She is survived and loved by her four children, Charlie and his wife Patti, Ernie and his wife Maria Angela, Cathy Barrett and her husband Michael and John and his wife Linda, seven grandchildren Sophia and her husband Ian Greenberg, Nikki, James, William, Thomas, Cassie and Athena, her three great grandchildren Alexander, Isabella and Isaac.  Rita was predeceased by her husband of 66 years Bilis in 2014.

She lived fearlessly and selflessly, a part of her that will always be carried on.  She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation Friday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, January 25, 2019 at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 Route 10, Randolph ( www.tuttlefh.com).

Funeral Service Saturday, 10:30 AM January 26, 2019 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph.

Interment Rosedale Cemetery, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church.