Katerina Stratton January 30, 1977 – October 14, 2025
Services for Kathy will take place all in one day on Friday October 17th at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 South Roberts Road Palos Hills Illinois 60465. Visitation 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon. Funeral service to begin Promptly at 12:00 Noon, immediately following visitation. Kathy will be laid to rest at Bethania Cemetery of Justice.
For information please call or text Michael Orrico at 815/260-0668
Kathy Stratton passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on October 14 th 2025. Kathy was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, godmother and friend to many. She was born on January 30th , 1977 in Chicago Illinois and grew up in Palos Hills, Illinois. Always wanting to excel in academics, Kathy was a straight A student throughout her school years. Thru family and friends, she met Paul Stratton in 1997. Knowing it was true love right away, they were engaged in 1998. Married in 1999 they settled into their 1 st home that same year. Kathy and Paul’s relationship was exceptionally special that they did everything together. This rarity was a reflection of Kathy’s own uniqueness as she was 1 of 1. She was loving, strong, fearless, compassionate, selfless, and determined to succeed in anything she strived for. These characteristics were built upon her strong sense of faith. She had the ability to always find the good in everyone, often showing forgiveness regardless of the circumstances. Her faith and family were certainly most important in her life.
Kathy’s two daughters, Victoria and Natalia, were everything to her. They would talk multiple times per day, every day. Along with the love she had for her husband and daughters, she also expressed her love to her parents and siblings. When she was younger, she would go to her parents’ house for coffee every day before work. She also made sure to talk to her sister, Georgia, on the phone before work every day as well. As for Kathy’s brother George, they became DIY partners tackling many projects together. Kathy also had 4 godchildren which she loved and raised as good as any god mother could ever do.
Fitness and nutrition were part of who she was. She led by example by living a healthy lifestyle. Kathy and Paul opened up an OrangeTheory Fitness in 2014 where they met some of the most amazing people in their lives. She truly loved being at OrangeTheory. From the hours spent together with the team in their little office, they became family as did the many members who became best friends over the years. She was so grateful to have the time and special moments with so many different relationships at OrangeTheory. She loved to travel and have new experiences in life. While on trips Kathy would find a way to experience so many different things in every single day. From the trips to Greece with her family to her trip to Australia for OrangeTheory Kathy would get the most out of every day.
Kathy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer over 3 years ago. The doctors informed her how most people do not live 5 years and due to how the cancer was discovered it would be even more difficult for her. Yet Kathy was determined to make sure she would do everything possible to change that. From traveling to other states for opinions, to surgery, to trials and immunotherapies, to proton therapy and chemotherapy to the holistic approaches she left no rock unturned through this journey. During this time, she continued to never miss anything with her friends and family. She moved the girls in and out of college, went to the mom’s weekends and homecoming games. She never missed anything for anyone. Kathy and Paul found a place in Florida and that was her happy place. This was her peace-a place to take a short break from her battle and enjoy quiet time. In this safe haven, they actually found out that their home was also home to a couple of sandhill cranes (birds) that Kathy and Paul would say they were them because when sandhill cranes find their mate, you never see them alone again. That was Kathy and Paul.
Kathy was the most selfless person. Despite how difficult life became for her health she sheltered it from her family, friends, and loved ones. She always found a way to be positive, smile, love so many regardless of her challenges. A few years back the family expanded with the addition of Meli (dog), Kathy would smile with Meli everyday. Meli would often travel with Kathy to Florida on a regular basis.
Kathy was all about faith, family and sacrifice. She is survived by her husband Paul, children Victoria and Natalia, loving parents Pete and Vicki Papadimitriou, daughter-in law of George and Pauline Stratton, sister Georgia Schultz (Anthony), brother George Papadimitriou. Dearest sister-in law of Gina Lieber (Thomas). Loving aunt to Pete Schultz, Brittany Salamanca (Enrique), Ryan Lieber (Karen), Lexi Rodriguez (Antonio). May Her Memory be Eternal!
All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc.