Catherine Kaster (nee Alemagidou), age 97, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at home with family. Catherine was the beloved wife of the late Thales Kaster; loving mother of Sam (Sue) Kaster, Zoe (Russell) Swanson and Corinne (John) Fitzgerald; loving grandmother of Katie (Pries), Steve and Samantha (Ritchie) Kaster, as well as Zachary and Nicholas (Swanson); loving great-grandmother of Miles, Hannah and Riley Pries; Leah and Maegan Ritchie; and Zoey and Chase Swanson. Born in Sparta, Greece, she epitomized the definition of a true “Spartan”–living her life with great courage and self-discipline. She emigrated to the U.S. in 1947, living most of her life in Chicago, IL, and later moved to Palm Harbor, FL where she lived for 26 years before returning to Illinois. She saw and experienced so much during her lifetime, including the military occupation of Greece during WWII. In fact, she had always wanted her true and compelling “life story” set to paper. Instead, she settled for regaling her family, friends and acquaintances with her fascinating and entertaining history. Throughout her life she maintained her strong faith and spirituality, yet was modern and progressive in her thinking and life views. She loved children and taught Sunday School; but if she didn’t agree with the priest’s sermon that day at church, she would politely yet firmly tell him so, and give her reasons, after his sermon. She will be remembered by many as a fabulous cook, homemaker and gardener, who always opened her home to host family, friends and neighbors. Those who knew her will remember her incredibly delicious bread rolls and beautifully crocheted blankets. She was wise, and her quick, keen wit and sense of humor endured until her final days. She will be remembered and missed by those who knew her and loved her. May her memory be eternal.