Catherine Pangares

Catherine Alexandra Pangares passed away peacefully January 23, 2022.  She was born February 11, 1934 in Vancouver, Washington , the daughter of Christos and Christina George, and sister to older brother Jim. She graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1952, and was active in Student Government.  She had a cashmere sweater in every color, an early sign of her love of color and texture and her artistic endeavors to come.

Cathie married Clare Pangares November 13, 1955. She was a housewife and mother to three sons, and was a founding member of the Good Group of Sacramento Street, fast friends and kindred spirts her whole life long. She served with her faith and heart at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, teaching summer Vacation Bible School and serving in the Priscilla Circle of Philoptochos. She volunteered at the annual Greek Festival, and could often be found in the kitchen with her dear friends making delicious salads and looking chic.

Cathie started her work experience helping at the Oyster Loaf, her family restaurant on Main Street in Vancouver. She worked as a bank teller, and after her sons were older, she resumed work at a sandwich shop, followed by office work at Equifax, and then as an administrator for Dr. Richard Harris.

Cathie lived a full life, enjoying many hobbies of her own as she raised her family with Clare.  She was a voracious reader, a writer of poetry, and an artist in many mediums, especially watercolor paint.  She designed and sold her hand painted cards under CathArt Ink. She loved painting specific gifts - a guardian angel for her granddaughter Caitlin, a series of hats for her granddaughter Izzy, and many paintings of her grandchildren in her lovingly tended garden or at the beach in Neskowin, where she and Clare would often go. She loved attending every event in support of her family, from plays to dance recitals, from Rose Festival parades to sporting events to Pacific concerts. She would often say to each grandchild, "You're my favorite... don't tell the others."

She is survived by her sons Stan (Lyn) of Lake Oswego, Chris (Nancee) of Beaverton, and Cary (Tracey) of Box Elder, SD; nine grandchildren, Zach (Becca) of Beaverton, Caitlin (Mike) of Brooklyn NY, Nick (Breanna) of Portland, Alex of Portland, Isabelle of Portland, Peter, Jacob , Lucy, and Abbey, all of Box Elder SD. Also beloved nieces and nephews, whose "Thia Cathie" loved them as second children, with her whole heart.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Clare and her dear brother Jim.

The Trisagion Service for Cathie will take place Sunday January 30th at 7pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  The funeral will take place on Monday January 31st at 11am, also at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kids'n Cancer: Camp Agape.