Katherine “Katina” (née Binikos) Zizis passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a life defined by faith, family, resilience and hard work.

Born in 1931 in Xilorsitis, Ikaria, Greece, Katina carried the strength and spirit of her Greek heritage throughout her life. 

At the age of 25, she married the love of her life, Emmanuel “Manolis” Zizis. Together, with their two young children, they made the courageous journey to the United States. Their American journey began in Maryland with the help of Manolis' brother and his loving family, before they eventually made their way to Cleveland, Ohio, where they would put down roots and build their life together. With the support of Katina’s dearest cousin and lifelong friend, Vasiliki “Bessie” Sarris, Cleveland became home - a life rooted in the same things they had carried with them from Greece: family, faith, tradition, and community.

At the heart of that life was Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. For thirty years, "Kyria Katina" and "Kyrios Manolis" as they were called by many, faithfully cared for its halls side by side. To Katina, Annunciation was far more than a building - it was her spiritual home and an extension of her family. She took great pride in caring for a place where generations of Cleveland’s Greek community came to worship, celebrate their heritage, and find a sense of belonging.

Katina was preceded in death by parents Georgia and Nikolaos, her beloved husband of 47 years, Emmanuel “Manolis” Zizis; her grandson, Constantinos “Gus”; her brother Antonis (Koula) and sister Aggeliki (Leonidas); and her dearest cousin, Vasiliki “Bessie” Sarris (Tom). There is comfort in knowing that after so many years of carrying their memories with her, she is reunited with them once again.

She is survived by her two children, Mandy (John) Siakantaris and Stamatios (Ellen) Zizis; her beloved grandchildren Emmanuel, Katerina, Mariann, and Diamanda; and her great-grandchildren Constantinos, Olivia, and Gianni. Cherished sister of Stamatia (Evripidis), Despina (Nikolaos), and Zaharoula (Evripidis), and a beloved second yiayia to Vicky, Xristina, and Angelo, and thia to Vikki, Roula, Niko and many more in her beloved Ikaria.

Those who knew Katina, will remember her love, kindness and affection, which she shared with everyone around her. Her family will miss her beautiful smile, sense of humor, strength, heart of gold and tremendous love. They will forever cherish the joy she brought to their lives and the many wonderful memories they shared. Her laughter will remain one of their most cherished memories.

Family will receive friends

Thursday, August 27th from 6-8pm at

CANNON – CATAVOLOS FUNERAL HOME

6953 W130th Parma Heights. Trisagion 7:30pm

Funeral services will be held

Friday, August 28th, 10am at

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

2187 W14th St. (at Fairfield) Cleveland.

Reverend Father Yanni Verginis officiating.

Burial will be at St. Theodosius Cemetery.

May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

2187 West 14 St. Cleveland, OH 44113

For online tributes and condolences please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com