Angelique Karageorge Casten

Angelique "Kiki" Karageorge Casten, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on October 3, 2023. The visitation and funeral will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1719 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101. The visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm. The burial will immediately follow the funeral at Greenwood Cemetery. The three officiating priests will be Father Daniel Bethancourt, Father Ioannis Krokos, and Father Jason Foster.

Kiki was born on January 7, 1929 in Athens, Greece. The proud daughter of a Greek Military General, Kiki's early childhood was idyllic and full of joy. She had many fond memories of growing up in Greece with her father, mother, sisters, and brother.

In April of 1941, when Kiki was just twelve years old, Nazi Germany invaded Greece during World War II. German soldiers occupied the Karageorge household for three years while the family was moved into one small room in the back of the house. Kiki was a survivor, and she truly lived each day to the fullest with optimism and gratitude.

At the young age of seventeen, Kiki came to America to be with her sisters in Washington, DC. It was there that she met her husband, George W. Casten, and they were married at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral before moving to Shreveport, Louisiana to start their family.

Kiki worked many years at her family business "OK Cleaners" meeting many customers and making countless friends as the iconic face of the business. She also obtained her Real Estate License and became a successful realtor.

Kiki had a magnetic personality and a true zest for life. She was vibrantly optimistic, and a faithful Orthodox Christian. She was always dressed to perfection, and the life of every party. Her beautiful Greek accent and endearing words "my darling" will be deeply missed by those who love her.

Kiki was very grateful for her wonderful life in America, however she notably stated, "I am truly me in Greece." Kiki's loyalty to her home country and passion for its unique culture was instilled in her children and grandchildren, and she enjoyed yearly visits back to Greece to visit family and friends.

Kiki was a lifetime member of the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild, the Shreveport Symphony Guild, and the Shreveport Little Theater-- proudly serving on many boards and committees throughout the years.

Kiki was a member of Alpha Theta Sorority, and The Daughters of Penelope for 71 years. She was recently awarded a certificate for the longest serving Daughters of Penelope.

Kiki lived her life in service to others, volunteering countless hours at the Encore Shop and The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College.

Kiki enjoyed traveling the world, playing bridge at East Ridge Country Club, reading, cooking, listening to Greek music, Greek dancing, and visiting with friends and family.

Kiki is preceded in death by her parents, George Michael & Voula Karageorge; husband, George William Casten; son, William "Billy" Casten; son-in-law, Ronald J. Edmiston; siblings: Cleopatra (& John) Glakas, Theodora (& Thomas) Athanas, and Michael Karageorge.

Kiki is survived by her children, Tina Casten Edmiston, Theodore "Ted" & Maria Casten; grandchildren, Rachael Edmiston (Matthew), Nicholas Casten (Samantha), Elizabeth Casten Russell (Bradley), Kristen Edmiston Tarrance (Morgan), and William Casten; great grandchildren: Renee & Margaux Casten, Murphy Tarrance, & George Russell, as well as several nieces, nephews and members of extended family. Kiki also has one surviving first cousin, Pota Kakava, still living in Kalamata, Greece.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Casten, William Casten, Bradley Russell, Matthew Moseley, Dennis Austin, Bobby Booras, and Trey Smith.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kiki's wonderful caretakers-- Tara Alexander, Claudette Young, and Sharniece Simpson-- who have become like family to us after years of companionship, care, and love for our Yiayia Kiki. Special thanks to Judy Butler for keeping Kiki looking beautiful.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kiki's honor to the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Building Fund, 9100 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71115.

May her memory be eternal!