Evdokia “Eva” Ketsoglou, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on November 22, 2025 at the remarkable age of 99. A milestone she was very proud of. Born on August 28, 1926, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Eva lived a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories.
In 1966, she immigrated to the United States aboard the Christopher Columbus, with her husband and 2 sons, embracing a new chapter while preserving the traditions and values of her Greek heritage. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Joseph Ketsoglou.
Eva was the cherished mother of Ioannis (John) and his wife Charlene of Carmel, NY, and Nikoloas (Niko) and his wife Joanna of Tarpon Springs, FL. She was a proud grandmother to Lauren and her husband Eric Mucci of Danbury, CT; John and his wife Caitlin Ketsoglou of Bethel, CT; Eve-Michelle and her husband Kwonza Williams of Holiday, FL; and Joseph Ketsoglou of Tarpon Springs, FL. Her joy multiplied as she became a great-grandmother to four beautiful children: Harleigh, River, Claire, and A.J.
Eva will be remembered for her warmth, independence, and strength. She was an amazing cook whose meals brought family together, a loving and funny soul who always had a smile on her face, and a devout Greek Orthodox woman whose faith guided her life. She loved traveling – whether by train, plane, or automobile, and never lost her sense of adventure.
A high school graduate, Eva was intelligent, exceptionally creative and talented. She designed patterns for knitting, needlepoint, crochet and was an accomplished seamstress whose work reflected her artistry, precision and patience. Her handmade creations were treasured by family and friends and will remain cherished heirlooms for generations.
At family gatherings Eva was a competitive adversary at Mexican Train dominoes and could keep up with everyone well into her 90’s.
Eva was also a hard worker, dedicating herself fully to her family and everything she did. Her perseverance and strong work ethic were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Eva had a gift for storytelling, recounting moments from the past in vivid detail as if you were right there with her. She gave the best hugs, made friends everywhere she went, and truly never met a stranger.
In her later years, she would often say that “God forgot her.” But God didn’t forget you, Yia Yia – He just left the best for last. Until we meet again. You will be missed and are so loved.
Αιωνία η μνήμη (Eternal be her memory).
DESPINA VELLIOS
November 24, 2025, 3:06 am
Dear Yianni, Niko and families,
My heart is with you during this time of loss. Your mother was a remarkable woman—strong, loving, and full of life until her very last days. Every time I came down to Tarpon Springs, she welcomed me with warmth and honesty. Our daily visits became a gift I will cherish forever. I saw in her the grace and resilience of someone who lived nearly a century with dignity.
I was blessed to be with her this August when she turned 99. She cried and told me that God had forgotten her. I told her that perhaps God wanted me to have her a little longer. I believe that now more than ever—that God allowed our paths to cross so I could know the beauty of her spirit.
We discovered we even shared friend/family threads back to the Bronx. We laughed, we remembered, and in many ways she reminded me of home. She trusted me, even allowing me to bathe her that day, and I will never forget her smile. It was a privilege to give your family a moment of rest, and to honor her with care and kindness.
She leaves behind two amazing sons who cared for her night and day – especially Niko.
May her memory be eternal. May the love she gave continue to live through all of you—her children, her grandchildren, and everyone whose lives she touched.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Despina Vellios
Sophia Bezirganian
November 27, 2025, 1:53 am
Thea Evdokia
You were always a loving aunt, from way back in my days as a little girl (until age 6) in Thessaloniki, until I last visited you, a year ago.
I remember as a little girl, I was a little afraid of my other aunts on my father’s side in Greece, Thea Marianthe and Thea Efhari. While all 3 always fed me delicious treats, I made sure not to spill a crumb, or talk out of turn in their homes, whereas I was free to chatter and risk a crumb or two in your house. Your house was always more relaxed, and you had the best sense of humor AND indeed had the best stories and anecdotes. This continued into my later years growing up in the Bronx. You and Theo Joseph always made us feel at home and of your family, which encouraged me and Amy to become as close to John and Niko as we did—which developed into enduring lifelong solidarity and a sense of many shared values as Greeks and as Americans!
Thank you and Uncle Joseph for being a great Aunt and Uncle!
We love you and will always remember you
Sophia Ketsoglou Bezirganian