Long time La Cañada Flintridge resident Katherine Skandale passed away peacefully at her home with her two loving daughters by her side, on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband George. Katherine will be remembered for her beautiful smile, bold personality, zest for life, her never-ending love for her two daughters, and her brown hair that never turned gray. She touched so many with her thoughtful and kind gestures, whether it be a 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.” She 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 trips to San Francisco, Stockton and San Diego to spend time with dear family and friends. A highlight of the year 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. She graduated from San Francisco State in 1949 with a degree in elementary education. Katherine received her first teaching job in rural Calaveras County. She taught kindergarten through 8th grade in a one-room school house. When she was 25 years old, she was accepted by the United States government as a teacher of American children of Army personnel in Ulm, Germany. 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. Katherine’s teaching career spanned over 40 years. She retired in 1991 from the Los Angeles Unified School District, looking forward to the next chapter of her life. Katherine met her loving and devoted husband George in Modesto at the groundbreaking of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. They were married on February 15, 1959, in Stockton. And celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009. In 1966 George, Katherine and the girls moved to Katherine’s beloved home in La Cañada Flintridge where she resided for 54 years. She is survived by her two adoring daughters, Elizabeth and Helen Skandale, who were her greatest joy. Katherine was a member of St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena and St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton, California. Katherine’s life was centered around the Pasadena Greek Orthodox Church and community where she made many lifetime friendships. She was a member of the St. Anthony Philoptochos for over 50 years. Katherine was a Sunday school teacher and an active member of Bible study. She also started the VIP (senior group) at St. Anthony. For many years she chaired Granny’s Attic for the annual Greek Festival. She was a 50-year member of the Daughters of Penelope. 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, in La Canada. Services were held at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena. The family has requested donations in Katherine’s honor be made to St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church or St. Anthony Philoptochos.
