Katherine passed away peacefully at her home with her two loving daughters at her side, on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her loving husband George Skandale, her parents Helen (Kuchukis) and Chris Huntalas, her brother Gus Huntalas and his wife Helen (Koutroulis).

Katherine will be remembered for her beautiful smile, bold personality, zest for life, her never-ending love for her two girls, and her brown hair that never turned gray. Her Orthodox faith grounded her. She was never without her blue prayer book. She would faithfully say the travel prayer before taking a long trip or a prayer for health when someone was ill.

She touched so many people along the way with her thoughtful and kind gestures, whether it be a simple lunch, a card or a specially blessed candle and cross. Those who knew Katherine knew she never ended a conversation without the words "love you" or "love you more." She just wanted you to know how much you meant to her.

Katherine had an open and loving heart and stayed in touch with all her relatives throughout her life. There were countless trips to San Francisco, Stockton and San Diego to spend time with dear family and friends. She never missed an opportunity to call and catch up. She cherished her yearly visits to Stockton where she took all her childhood girlfriends out to lunch at Papapavlo's. A highlight of the year for her was driving to Northern California with her daughters to celebrate their traditional "Big Fat Greek Thanksgiving" with all her nieces and nephews.

Katherine was born August 21, 1927 in Stockton, California. Although she was a petite 5'4", she weighed 13 pounds when she was born! She loved Greek School and as a young child could memorize the longest, most complicated Greek poems. She would recite them with pure joy and enthusiasm.

Katherine went to the College of the Pacific and graduated from San Francisco State in 1949 with a degree in elementary education. Her family moved to Tracy in 1948 when her father bought a grocery store. She received her first teaching job in rural Calaveras County which at the time had a population of only 30. She taught kindergarten through 8th grade in a one-room school house. In 1953, when she was only 25 years old, she was accepted by the United States government as a teacher of American Children of Army personnel in Ulm, Germany. Not only did she have the opportunity to teach, she had the opportunity to fulfill her dream and travel throughout Europe. She visited over 12 different countries and had a beautiful doll collection detailing her travels. She treasured those memories and talked about those experiences her entire life

When Katherine returned to the states two and a half years later, she was hired to teach grammar school in Manteca, California. She taught there until she married in 1959. She later taught first and second grade for 30 years for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her entire teaching career spanned over 40 years at a time when few women worked outside the home. She always said she loved teaching and truly enjoyed her career. She retired in 1991 from the Los Angeles Unified School District and was looking forward to the next phase of her wonderful life.

Katherine met her loving and devoted husband George in Modesto at the groundbreaking of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. After a short courtship they were married on February 15, 1959 in Stockton. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009 with family and friends. They initially lived in Inglewood, California where they met many of their lifelong friends. In 1966 George, Katherine and the girls moved to Katherine's beloved home in La Canada-Flintridge, California,

Katherine is survived by her two adoring daughters, Elizabeth and Helen Skandale who were her greatest joy. She is survived by her first cousin Mary Hlebakos (Xanttopoulos) and her three nieces, Elizabeth Marshall (Bill), Nikki Holke (Jack), Sylvia Woods (Murray) and her three nephews, Charles Skandalis, Greg Spirakis (Kerri), Charles Spirakis (Ruth). She is also survived by many other relatives who she always made a point to stay in contact with over the years.

Katherine was a member of Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena and Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton, California. Her life was centered around the Pasadena Greek Orthodox Church and community where she made many lifetime friendships. Katherine was a member of the Saint Anthony Philoptochos for over 50 years. She was president for three terms and was the Christmas Benefit luncheon chairwoman two times. Katherine was a Sunday school teacher for over 10 years and an active member of Bible study which was very important to her. She also started the VIP (senior group) at Saint Anthony. For many years she was in charge of Granny's Attic for the annual Greek Festival. Katherine was a 50-year member of the Daughters of Penelope at both Saint Sophia and Saint Anthony. Katherine and her family were active members of the Southern California Cretan Association. She was also a member of the Pasadena Women's Connection Stonecroft Ministries, a prayer group in La Canada.

The Trisagion will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11:00 am. Both services will be at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 South Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, California 91107, and will be limited to 80 people each. If you wish to attend, reservations will be taken by Stephanie Lubian (714) 313-9027.

The interment will take place at San Gabriel Cemetery directly following the funeral service.

Both services will be live streamed via the following links: saint-anthony.org/livestream or facebook.com/stanthonyspasadena

The family has requested any donations in Katherine's honor be made to Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church or Saint Anthony Pasadena Philoptochos.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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