ASTORIA, NY –
The Saint Demetrios High School students, faculty, staff, and administration held a 40 Day Memorial Service on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Saint Demetrios Cathedral, remembering the beloved alumnus of the school, Dr. Ioanna A. Katehis, who passed away suddenly on September 13, leaving behind her devastated immediate family and hundreds of friends, relatives, colleagues, and the entire school community of Saint Demetrios in Astoria.
In a solemn service officiated by Father Pedro Gomez, attended by Dr. Katehis’s family, Father Pedro reminded the students that Ioanna sat in the same pews, wore the same uniform, and had dreams to make a positive difference in the world. Visibly emotional, Father Pedro asked everyone to follow the right path of Dr. Katehis with humility and empathy- to remember her spirit and zest for life.
The students and teachers present along with parishioners who were present for the Feast Day of Saint Gerasimos tearfully extended their condolences and sympathy to the Katehis family.
“Ioanna Katehis was a dynamic young woman filled with faith, enthusiasm for learning, and pride in her heritage- especially her beloved Corfu. As valedictorian of the Saint Demetrios CLASS of 2014, Ioanna showed promise of success as she was accepted to Cornell University and the City University College of Medicine, Sophie Davis”, notes a press release by the Saint Demetrios High School.
“The young lady chose to stay close to home and pursue the rigorous studies at Sophie Davis which expects its medical students as future physicians to give back to underprivileged communities- something Dr. Katehis did with love and compassion”.
“Upon completion of her studies in medicine, Dr. Katehis began a career in fertility research at New York University Medical Center. Her goal was to help struggling women conceive and bring healthy babies to full term- a noble and dignified goal for an exceptional young woman who will be remembered by those who knew her well and those who learned of her short yet touching life”, the press release adds.
Saint Demetrios School will be honoring the late Dr. Katehis by participating in charity drives for children such as the Ronald McDonald House and supporting Saint Demetrios student events in her memory.
