Constantina Stergios Kastanos (Ntina)

Constantina Stergios Kastanos (Ntina) passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the age of 96.  She is the last of a generation and was a living example of the “American Dream”.  She immigrated to the United States in 1951, at the age of 23, after marrying her beloved husband of 63 years, Andrew Kastanos, in an arranged marriage in Athens, Greece.  Despite limited schooling, she studied hard and became an American citizen in 1987, though she never became fully Americanized.  She spoke her native Greek language whenever possible – and exclusively in recent years, joyfully passed her passion and talent for Greek-style cooking and gardening on to whomever showed an interest, and never obtained a driver’s license or learned to drive.  We imagine that she is one of the few people ever to ride public transportation in order to shop at Neiman Marcus – which she did on a weekly basis for years.  Her real passion, though, were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she doted on and often protected from the likely rightful punishments of their parents.  No matter what they did wrong, they always knew Yiayai Ntina would take their side!

Originally from Nafpaktos, Greece, she was born on January 20, 1927, to parents George and Lambriene Stergios, where she worked with her brothers and sisters inside the family home until marrying Andrew.  Together, they made their family home in Dallas, Texas, where they were members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  Largely due to her loving support at home, Andrew was able to become a successful restaurateur and businessman, providing for his family beyond what either of them imagined possible.  Later in life, she and Andrew moved to Shreveport, joined St. George Greek Orthodox Church, and greatly enjoyed watching their great-grandchildren grow up, often commenting that she was “so proud” of them and referring to them as “my diamonds” – in Greek, of course.

Despite her slight stature, she was a quietly strong woman – even surviving being run-over by a dump truck while exercising at the age of 73.  She never complained, always smiled, and loved each day she was able to spend with her friends and family.  Her legacy of passion for all things and perseverance through hard times will live on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, along with her beloved husband of 63 years, Andrew Kastanos.  She is survived by two brothers, Angelo Stergios of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Basil Stergios and wife Eugenia of Winter Park, Florida; along with her children, Petroula Kastanos Anagnostis of Dallas, Texas, Lily Kastanos Mijalis and husband Johnny Alex Mijalis of Shreveport, and John Andrew Kastanos and wife Sophia Cosse Kastanos of Shreveport; her grandchildren, Andrew Anagnostis and wife Marsa, Constantine Anagnostis and wife Dr. Kristina, Dimitri Anagnostis and wife Harley, all of Dallas, Texas, Alexander Mijalis and wife Daphne, Andrew Mijalis and wife Carmen, and Dean Mijalis and wife Stephanie, all of Shreveport,  Louisiana, Andrew Kastanos and wife Maris of Dallas, Texas, Jonathan Kastanos and wife Mignon of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dena Kastanos Smith and husband Nathan of Shreveport, Louisiana; and great-grandchildren, Georgios Anagnostis, Caroline and Katharine Anagnostis, Jonathan, Mark, and Evie Mijalis, Gus and Foster Mijalis, Mary Elaine, Elizabeth, and Jane Mijalis, Cas and Estee Kastanos, Jack and Collins Kastanos, and Cooper and Camille Smith.  She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews both here and in Greece that she kept in touch with throughout the years.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her long-time caregivers Minnie Fortenot, Liz Williams, Paula Lawless, Ciara Clark, Eartha Garner, and LaShunda Garner for their devoted care and support.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023, with a Trisagion Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Marshall Street.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery on Stoner Avenue.  Officiating will be Reverend Father Ioannis Krokos.

 Honoring her as pallbearers are her eight grandsons and one grandson-in-law, along with her Godson, James Zoys of Dallas, Texas.  Serving as honorary pallbearers are Kostas Kastanos of Bethesda, Maryland, and George Stergios of Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Fund, P.O. Box 44466, Shreveport, Louisiana 71134.