Katherine Gianoutsos Straw was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 24, 1937, to Panagiota and Theodore Gianoutsos, proud Greek immigrants who became American citizens. She attended Mt. Lebanon Public Schools, receiving an excellent education in the days where you walked home daily for lunch in elementary school. She was an Honor Roll student, winning the Danforth Award, one of her many accomplishments. Attending the University of Pittsburgh was where she chose her future profession of education. She taught Physical Education at Dormont High School, Chatham College, Penn Hills Public Schools, Carlow College and Florida Southern College, accruing experience in elementary, secondary, and college levels.

Katherine married her beloved Charles Martin Straw on February 2, 1963, and lived with their daughter Nancy in Murrysville, PA, until they moved to Florida in 1974. It was in Lakeland, FL, that they made their home, and Katherine taught at FSC for 31 years, retiring after 45 years of teaching.

She is survived by her husband, Charlie, remarkable daughter, Nancy, best son-in-law ever, Tony, grandchildren, Miranda, Kelsey (Mason), Nicholas (Gabriela) and great-grandson, Knox. Many relatives and former students have brightened her life along the way, and for that, she was forever grateful.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 10-11 am, followed by funeral services at 11 am at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park.