Obituary

Katherine (nee Photopulos) Mitzenmacher, 82, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, June 23rd, surrounded by her children. Katherine was born to the late Andrew and Mary (Pikoulas) Photopulos. She had one sister, Angeline Variames, and one brother, the late John Photopulos. Katherine (Kaye) was the beloved and adored wife of the late Allen Mitzenmacher, whom she married in 1968. Together, Allen and Katherine raised their three children, Joseph (Stacy Saunders) Mitzenmacher, Stephanie (John M. Lesniak) Mitzenmacher, and Andrew (Lauren Niimi) Mitzenmacher, in Highland Park, Illinois. Katherine was the cherished YiaYia (grandmother) of eight: Jacob, Nathan, and Sammy Mitzenmacher; Jana and Jeremiah Lesniak; and Eli, Ben, and Noah Mitzenmacher. Family meant everything to Katherine, and her grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy. She was there for birthdays, milestone celebrations, and any and all performances or games she could attend. She was also there for the simple, everyday moments, and bragging about her grandkids was a favorite pastime. Katherine was also the treasured aunt of Michael (Debbie) Lorsch, Steven (Dianne Sproule) Lorsch, Andrew (Linda) Lorsch, Andrea (Donnie Dunn) Variames, George (Michael Peirolo) Variames, Maria Photopulos, Andrew (Christine) Photopulos, and Georgia (Peter) Szewczyk; a joyful great aunt to Daniel (Meg Kelleher) Lorsch, Jennifer (Matt) Trygar, David (Stephanie Valentin) Lorsch, and Jeffrey Lorsch. She also enjoyed being a great-great aunt and was a dear cousin and valued friend to many. Katherine attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she met Allen and found meaningful work throughout her life in raising her children and grandchildren, serving as a periodontal assistant, and helping to manage a retail jewelry business with cherished friends. She sought out any opportunity to bring happiness and comfort to others. Katherine will forever be remembered for holding family, including chosen family, above all else. She and Allen were known for hosting big celebrations in their home, where everyone who walked in the door felt fully included in traditions. Invited once, invited forever was their motto. Katherine also enjoyed the beauty of nature, reading, dining out with friends, and traveling. In Katherine’s memory, the family asks that donations be made to The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of her favorite places to spend time with loved ones. Graveside service Sunday, June 26, 1:00 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For additional information, shiva and a link to view the service online, visit Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520


Service Information

Service : Sunday, June 26th at 1:00 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

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