Katerini (Tsiatis) Tsetsos “Yaya", 95, of Worcester passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, all of whom were the center of her world, on Wednesday, April 15th. She leaves her son, James T. Tsetsos and his wife, Ann-Marie with whom she lived; her daughter Helen Eliadis and her husband, Arthur of Worcester; her son-in-law, Nicholas Pappas of Worcester; as well as her four cherished grandchildren, Arthur Pappas, Thomas Pappas, Theordore Eliadis and his wife, Kara, and Katrina Cloutier and her husband, Joshua; and three beautiful great granddaughters that brough her so much joy, Elena Eliadis, Katherine Eliadis, and Helena Cloutier. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Thomas M. Tsetsos who died in 2015, her daughter, Chrysoula Pappas, who died in 2019; three sisters; and a brother.
She was born in Xirovalto, Ioannina, Epirus, Greece, the daughter of Vasilios and Theodora Tsiatis. She received her early education in Greece before beginning a life centered around family, hard work, and tradition. In 1958, Yaya came to the United States with her daughter, Chrysoula to join her beloved husband, Thomas. Together they made their home in Worcester, where she lived all her life. She worked as a seamstress and was employed at Worcester Knitting Company for many years, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. While there she made several lifelong friends.
Yaya was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and her faith remained an important part of her life. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of gardening, and playing cards, but she found her greatest joy in cooking for, and spending time with her family. She lovingly passed down her joy for cooking and gathering with family to her children, and it lives on in her grandchildren. When they were little, nothing brought more joy to her grandchildren than her loving embrace, her bedtime stories, and her amazing talent for cooking and the many “pashoumakia” socks she knitted for them. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and yaya until her final days. Yaya will be deeply missed, but she, and the love she gave will never be forgotten.
Her visitation is Thursday, April 23rd in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, from 10:00 a.m. until the start of her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, 119 Webster Street. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.