Greek-American Community Mourns the Passing of Dr. Ioanna Agatha Katehis

NEW YORK – The Greek-American community is mourning the untimely passing of Dr. Ioanna Agatha Katehis, who died on September 13, 2025, at the age of 28. A devoted physician, community leader, and passionate advocate for women’s health, Ioanna dedicated her life to helping others, aspiring to create life through fertility medicine and fulfill what she believed to be God’s work.

A Promising Life Cut Short

Dr. Katehis was hospitalized at NYU Langone Hospital for pneumonia, a condition her family says she was overcoming with plans for rehabilitation. Contrary to early reports, her prior battle with cancer was not a factor in her passing.

According to her parents, George and Maria Katehis, a critical error occurred during a routine tube replacement procedure. They allege that the tube was misplaced and that no immediate verification, such as an X-ray, was performed to confirm its placement. Warning signs, including dropping oxygen levels, pain, and blood—were allegedly ignored until Ioanna went into cardiac arrest.

“She was breathing on her own for four days,” George said. “They changed a small tube in her throat so she could talk, but it went into the wrong place.”

Maria Katehis described the heartbreaking final moments, explaining that Ioanna signaled pain during the procedure and that her oxygen saturation plummeted. “Her oxygen dropped to 88–87, then I heard the continuous beeping. She went into cardiac arrest,” Maria said. Despite prolonged efforts to resuscitate her, doctors informed the family that oxygen had not reached her lungs or heart, leading to her passing.

The Katehis family has confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted and has vowed to seek justice. “We won’t let this pass,” Maria declared.

A Life of Dedication and Service

Dr. Katehis’ life was marked by faith, service, and leadership within the Greek-American community:

• Academic Excellence: Valedictorian of St. Demetrios of Astoria Day School (Class of 2014).

• Community Leadership: Served as Vice President of I.H.S. Global (2017–2018) and played a key role in running the Hellenic Medical Association’s Young Professionals Chapter in New York.

• Cultural Engagement: Active with the Stathakion Federation and a longtime volunteer for the Greek Independence Parade, where she was Second Runner-Up in the Miss Greek Independence Pageant.

• Philanthropy: Collaborated with Chris Odysseus (then-President) and Constantine Gurlakis (Chairman) to organize fundraising events that led to scholarships for Greek students at Queens College.

• Medical Career: Fulfilled her dream of becoming an OB/GYN doctor, completing her residency at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, with a goal of specializing in assisted reproduction.

“She loved the community and Greece so much,” her father shared. “It’s unthinkable we lost her this way.”

Remembered for Her Strength and Spirit

Ioanna is survived by her loving parents, George and Maria, her cherished sister Evgenia, and her adored grandparents Spiros and Evgenia Exarhos, Vasilios and Ioanna Katehis. She also leaves behind a close-knit family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who will remember her unwavering spirit and kindness.

“Ioanna showed incredible strength and resilience, inspiring all who knew her,” said Assistant Principal Helen Karagiorgos of St. Demetrios School. “Her memory will inspire our students to follow her path of love and service.”

Evgenia Katehis, former president of the Cultural Committee of the Greek Parade, called her loss “incalculable” and described Ioanna as “humble, smart, and always willing to help.”

Funeral and Burial Details

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Funeral Service Location:
St. Catherine & St. George Church
22-30 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11105

Burial:
St. Michael’s Cemetery
7202 Astoria Blvd S, East Elmhurst, NY 11370

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greek Division of the Ronald McDonald House in New York.

May Her Memory Be Eternal

Dr. Ioanna Agatha Katehis will be remembered for her faith, generosity, and commitment to the Greek-American community. Her dream was to help women build families and to give back to the community that raised her. May her memory be eternal, and may she rest in peace in the embrace of our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ.