Kathryn Gumas

Kathryn Gumas of Newtown Square, PA passed away peacefully on January 21, 2017 at Bryn Mawr Hospital.   Born June 24, 1930 to Louis and Thetis Captis and the youngest of four siblings, Kathryn was born and raised in Philadelphia and resided in the region throughout her entire life.  Loving wife of 40 years to the late Paul Gumas who passed in 1995,  Kathryn is survived by her sister Anastasia Mavormatis;  beloved son Kerry and his wife Marissa (Daskalakis);  beloved grandson Christopher and his wife Caitlin (Spaulding); cherished granddaughter Stefanie and adoring grandson Peter;  precious great-grandson Charles Paul “Charlie” and; her loving nieces, nephews, god-children, family members and friends.

Kathryn was raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Girls’ High.   As a young lady she was a parishioner and choir member at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and active in the Greek community.  Following her marriage in 1955, her husband Paul began a family business career and the two worked tirelessly together and with other family members, most notably operating a retail toy business, Gumas Bros. Toys in North Philadelphia and, subsequently, a wholesale merchandise business until their retirement.  As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Kathryn cherished the family life.  Throughout the years she sought to bring joy and laughter to all, hosting countless dinners, parties and social activities marking important holidays, family events and occasions with grace, charm, enjoyment and a sense of humor that brought smiles to many.  

Ever proud of her Greek heritage and deep Philadelphia roots, she was also fond of meeting new people, exploring new cultures and establishing friendships through her many travels with Paul in their retirement and, later in life, with her many cherished friends.  Kathryn had a deep and abiding faith, rooted in her Greek Orthodox Christian upbringing, and a belief in the fundamental goodness in all people.   She was a keen and insightful listener, especially respectful and attentive to the wisdom of elders, and particularly fond of learning the hopes, cares and ambitions of teen and young adult family members and friends.  A wise, caring person and mentor, she was always willing to freely share her advice, guidance and encouragement and was blessed by so many who returned those simple kindnesses with their abiding love and affection over the many years of her life.  Kathryn also served as a volunteer at the Main Line Health Center outpatient facility in Newtown Square.  As she later confronted her own medical challenges, her optimistic spirit was never bowed; faith was never broken and she remained ever-thankful to all who loved her, brought cheer and comfort to her and whom she loved for the blessings of family, faith and friendship that brought enduring happiness to her life.    

On Thursday, January 26, 2017 a viewing will be held at 10:00am at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m.  Interment to follow immediately at Fernwood Cemetery, 6501 Baltimore Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050