Katherine C. (Lekas) Capsalis, 81, of Worcester, died Tuesday, February 9th, due to complications following heart surgery at MGH Boston, with her loving family by her side. She is survived by Peter, her devoted and loving husband of 58 years; her daughter, Melina (Capsalis) Barber and her husband, Paul; her son, William P. Capsalis; two granddaughters, Madeline (Barber) Blumberg and her husband Dylan and Victoria Barber; grandson, Myles Barber and his wife, Shannon; and a great-granddaughter, Mila Mae Barber. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Anna (Lekas) D’Elia in 2008, and her brother, Thomas C. Lekas in 2018.
Katherine was born in Worcester, the daughter of Constantine and Helen (Gikas) Lekas; and was raised in Fitchburg, where she excelled in athletics; captain of both the volleyball and basketball teams and was lead majorette. She then moved back to Worcester to finish high school, where she met the love of her life, Peter. Together they ran two successful diners, Art’s Luncheonette in Worcester and Frosty’s in Shrewsbury. Her bookkeeping career began at Morrow’s Collection Agency, followed by a 20-year tenure as supervisor of finances at UMass Medical School Department of Surgery. She culminated her career at her daughter and son-in-law’s restaurant, The Flying Rhino Café in Worcester. where she showcased her expertise in accounting and hospitality.
She was a dedicated member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and its Ladies Philoptochos Society, where she served as treasurer. She was a sincere, compassionate caring and joyous woman whose laughter was contagious. Katherine cherished her family, was proud of her Greek heritage, loved cooking, cleaning, entertaining, trips to the casino, watching game shows, puzzling, playing cards and above all, laughing. “Yiayia” loved everyone she met and only focused on the good she saw in them. She will be truly missed by all that knew her.
A visitation will be held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral 102 Russell Street, on Monday February 15th, from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. followed by her funeral service. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements. Burial will be private. Due to COVID protocols, the service will be streamed live at http://www.spyridoncathedral.org/live-stream/watch. Katherine’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at a later date.