Evelyn Katsigris

Evelyn Colias Katsigris, aged 87, passed away on January 10th, 2023, at home in Dallas, Texas. A highly devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, nurturing eldest sibling, and loyal friend and cousin, she will be beloved and treasured always.

Born in Waco, Texas, September 29, 1935, Evelyn was the child of Greek immigrants George and Eugenia (Malavazos) Colias. As the oldest and, for several years, the only child of the Colias clan in Waco, she received the loving attention not only of her parents, but also of her then-bachelor Colias uncles, Vic and Mike (who ran the renowned Elite Café with her father, George), and older Zouboukos cousins (Pete and Jimmy). Evelyn's special childhood included a pony, a shotgun, daily rides in Uncle Vic's car, and even meeting Colonel Sanders. An integral part of her life was the Greek Orthodox community in Waco, where she developed what became lifelong friendships. While Greek was her first language, she assimilated quickly outside of the Greek community, was a proud American, and excellent student. In 1951, her family, including younger brothers Nick and John, went to Greece for six months to visit relatives, an experience she always cherished. Her baby sister Pat, with whom she was especially close and held dear throughout her life, was born later.

Evelyn graduated from Waco High School in 1953, received an Associate's Degree from Stephen's College in Missouri in 1955 and a Bachelor's degree from Baylor University in 1957. She met Air Force First Lieutenant Costas "Gus" Katsigris shortly thereafter when he was stationed in Texas. Gus and Evelyn's courtship was filled with many get-togethers with Waco friends, Evelyn teaching Gus to drive, and adventures in and around Waco, such as at the James Connally Air Force Base Officer's Club.

They married in 1961 in Waco, beginning a 61 ½ year marriage. After a two-year stint in Baltimore, they moved back to Waco and had two daughters, Phyllis and Eugenia, about whom Evelyn cared deeply and offered never-ending support and guidance. They moved from Waco to Dallas in 1970, where she spent the rest of her years residing on Princess Lane in the Sparkman neighborhood. In Dallas, the family joined the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church community, where Evelyn volunteered with the Philoptochos Society and at the annual Greek Food Festival.

Prior to marriage, Evelyn began her career teaching at her alma mater, Sanger Avenue Elementary in Waco, then taught in the Baltimore Independent School District, and, later, after moving to Dallas, at the Good Shepherd's lower school. After Gus and Evelyn opened Crackers Restaurant, a very early addition to Dallas' now stylish McKinney Avenue, Evelyn was key to effective operations, serving at one point as Day Manager, Purchasing Agent, and Bookkeeper all at the same time! Despite being incredibly busy during the "restaurant years," ever-capable Evelyn continued to manage the home front, driving carpools, attending her daughters' events, and maintaining a beautiful home.

Evelyn was known to be an avid learner, who never stopped improving her sharp mind, and a voracious bibliophile, often staying up late into the night reading. After retiring, she became a frequent visitor to the Park Forest Branch Library, developing a large set of index cards cataloging authors and books read. Reflecting her thirst for knowledge, she took courses at Brookhaven and Richland Colleges, in areas such as Computer Science, Spanish, and Religion and rekindled her musical experience via piano lessons. She also volunteered for a number of causes, including helping out at the North Texas Food Bank, tutoring ESL, and visiting hospice patients.

Evelyn especially cherished her close friends and relatives, including in later years her lunch group dubbed "the Greek View." She was a regular traveler to Boston to visit and take care of grandchildren and made several trips Greece to visit family and friends there.

Evelyn is predeceased by her parents, George and Eugenia Colias, and by her brother, Dr. John Colias. She is survived by her husband Costas "Gus" Katsigris, daughters Phyllis Spinale and Eugenia Katsigris, son-in-law Paul Matthew Spinale, grandchildren Nicholas Costas, Peter Matthew, and Emma Eve Spinale; brother Nick Colias and sister-in-law Melodee Colias; sister-in-law Mary Colias; sister Pat Antoniou and brother-in-law Ted Antoniou; sister-in-law Vasiliki Pappanikolaou in Greece; and by her godsons and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Evelyn was a modest and kind person, fond of a simple, non-materialistic lifestyle. She was a great listener. She was incredibly organized with a list for every occasion and a talent for establishing efficient systems to keep home and business running smoothly. She was known throughout her life for her keen memory and ability to pull up facts, dubbed by one of her closest friends as "Miss Information." And not only did she remember the details of various topics, but she also helped us to see the big picture, focus on what mattered, and make good choices. It was with great strength, bravery, and grace that Evelyn faced life's challenges, not least of which was her several-year battle with cancer. We will all remember her wonderful kindness and gentle ways, her encouragement and quiet advice, her love and support, her steadfastness and devotion. Evelyn was a giver to the end. She will be so missed. May her memory be eternal.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 21 at 1:00 pm at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 13555 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75240) https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VY2YEDY945RYJ or the Dallas College Foundation C. Gus and Evelyn Katsigris Endowment Fund (Dallas College Foundation, 1601 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215-1816).