Catherine Baklavas, 1931 - 2021

Catherine Baklavas of Newington, CT, died peacefully on December 28, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Atlanta, GA daughter of the late Christ and Maritsa Apergios, Catherine and her three sisters were raised and educated in Astoria, NY. 

Catherine met the love of her life, James Baklavas, whom she went on to marry in 1950 before moving to Hartford, CT. The following year in 1951, Catherine was crowned Queen of the Hartford Harvest Festival  at the Coronation Ball.

Jimmy (“Taki” - to her) and Catherine raised their family on Victoria Road in the South End of Hartford where they formed a tight-knit neighborhood and turned neighbors into family members. As first-generation Greek-Americans, Catherine and Jimmy were members of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.

While raising their three children, Catherine also worked many jobs over the years including roles at Alberts Hosiery, Royal McBee Typewriter, Hilton Hotel, Aetna Life, and Lox, Stock & Bagels at Bishops Corner in West Hartford. In her later years, Catherine enjoyed playing Bingo (wherever she could) and winning card games, filling her favorite can with quarters.

Catherine is survived by her children, Dean Baklavas and his wife, Kathleen of Indian Land, SC, Maritsa St. Jacques and her husband, Jay of Gilford, NH, John Baklavas of Newington, CT and his longtime companion, Sandee Swider of Wethersfield, CT; her three grandchildren, Jason Baklavas and his wife, Talia of Fort Mill, SC, Sean Baklavas of Bennington, VT and Tim St. Jacques of Riverview, FL; her three great-grandchildren, Bryce, Grant and Elliana Baklavas; her sisters, Angie Damilatis of Lindenhurst, NY, Anna Tsistinas and her husband, Teddy of Palm Coast, FL, and Tina Swanson of E. Northport, NY; her nephew, Spero Makris and his longtime companion, Linda Hanson of West Hartford, CT and her closest friend, Rose Morissette of Wethersfield, CT.  Everyone who knew Catherine will fondly remember her as a hard worker with a welcoming personality, as well as an outstanding cook with a beautiful smile and quick wit.

Besides her husband, James Baklavas, Catherine was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Charles Swanson and James Damilatis; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Artemis and Spero Makris Sr. 

The family extends special thanks to the wonderful staff of caregivers at the Jefferson House in Newington, CT. Funeral services will be held privately due to the current state of the world and Catherine’s wishes.  Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com