How Many Lives are Touched? Remembering Katena Lafkas Presutti
Compiled by Charlie Barshaw
On Dec 31, 2024, at 11:46 AM, Diane Telgen wrote:
Hello, Michkid friends,
I’m very sad to share the news that my dear friend and longtime SCBWI-MI member, Katena Lafkas Presutti, passed away this weekend. I first met her through SCBWI over 20 years ago, when I joined an Ann Arbor critique group she had founded. Katena was a dedicated writer and a wonderful cheerleader, and I’ll miss her very much. I’m attaching a link to her obituary, which contains details for her funeral service.
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| Katena Lafkas Presutti (photo supplied by Diane Telgren) |
Katena attended many Michigan conferences, and hopefully many of you were lucky enough to meet her. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/34252241/katena-lafkas-presutti
Diane Telgen
Chicago (formerly of Canton, MI)
Anita Pazner wrote:
Many SCBWI-MI members remember Katena as a quiet force to be reckoned with. Her kindness, humor and twinkling smile always added so much to any gathering or conference. She had a gift for making everyone feel special and like a member of her family.
Katena and I had an instant connection when I joined her Ann Arbor critique group many, many years ago. We were both only children and whenever I had a chapter I wanted read but not picked apart—Katena was my go-to reader.
She found the beauty in everyone’s words. She would comment on a particularly well-written phrase or enchanting description. I always enjoyed hearing what she saw in my manuscripts. She was a devoted friend and gracious host, opening her home to her critique group and providing traditional Greek treats, coffee and hot tea to everyone who visited.
One thing I know I gained from Katena is confidence in my work. She was a gifted writer who worked diligently on her manuscripts but always made time to help others. Reading chapters from her historical fiction novel was never a chore. Her characters jumped off the page with heartwarming details and emotional resonance. I’m only sad her work was not published during her lifetime. She was one of the good ones and she’ll be missed.
Kristin Lenz:
I was lucky to know Katena too. She was always interested in our individual projects and so supportive. I think I might have first met her at one of Shutta's summer gatherings 20 years ago when I was new to SCBWI.
She came out to cheer me on at one of my book events in Ann Arbor many years ago. Being a new author, I didn't know that we were expected to sign/write only on the title page. I wanted to write her a longer note, so I used a different page and the bookseller tried to stop me! But of course, Katena told her she didn't mind, and I finished my appreciative note to her.
Thank you for sharing, Diane. Much love and comfort to you and Katena's family and friends.
Kristin
--
Kristin Bartley Lenz
Writer, LMSW Social Worker
Author website
Betsy McKee Williams:
Thank you, Diane, for posting this sad news. I am glad I got to meet you at Katena's funeral service, and so glad to have been in her critique group for years. Katena was a wonderful and supportive friend, a great commenter, and a great writer. I too hope to see her novel on bookshelves someday.
Paula D’Addona
I first met Katena about nine years ago. I was a member of her critique group. We often met at her house. Katena welcomed everyone and made them feel like family. She hosted critique group holiday dinners until Covid hit and we met on Zoom.
Katena sent encouraging emails when anyone in our group was going through a difficult time. I appreciated that and could feel her love and prayers.
Katena gave thoughtful and positive critiques. Her suggestions were given in a way that made you grow in your writing, but never made you feel down about yourself as a writer.
In my time with Katena, much of her writing was kindled by her Greek heritage. Whether it was a New York romance, or a story inspired by her grandfather coming to America, she was proud of her heritage.
The final time I saw Katena was last summer at her husband’s funeral. Though her health had not been great, she greeted everyone in her usual loving way, making each of us feel special.
Paula D'Addona
Kim Bartosch
I met Katena in 2018 or 2019—my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, so I’m not entirely sure of the exact year I joined her writer’s group. I was introduced to the group by Betsy Williams after meeting her at an SCBWI Shoptalk in Ann Arbor. My first meeting was at Katena’s house, and I’ll never forget how warm and welcoming she was. She was such a gracious host—so kind and thoughtful—and she made me feel right at home from the very start.
Being part of Katena’s writer’s group gave me the opportunity to read her young adult romance and her middle-grade novel based on her grandfather’s journey from Greece to America. Her writing was always rich with beautiful descriptions—I could vividly picture the settings in Greece and New York City, almost as if I were there myself. And her food descriptions! The way she wrote about Greek dishes made me crave every delicious meal she mentioned. I even teased her once that she should write a cookbook.
Beyond her talent for description, Katena had a gift for giving writing advice in a way that made you want to improve—not just for yourself, but because you wanted to impress her with your next revision. She inspired me, and I know she did the same for so many others.
One of my favorite memories of Katena is our last Christmas celebration at her home with our writer’s group. She made the evening so much fun—her warmth and joy were truly infectious. We spent the night laughing, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was a wonderful time, and I’ll always cherish that memory.
Meeting Katena and joining her writer’s group was one of the biggest reasons my book got published. Her support, along with the encouragement of the rest of the group, helped me shape my YA paranormal mystery, Ask the Girl, into its best form. With their help, I was able to win the writing competition I entered—an achievement that ultimately led to my book being published with Woodhall Press.
Diane Telgen
Shutta Crum:
Katena was a student of mine when I was team teaching creative writing with my husband at Washtenaw Community College way back in the early 1980s. She was attentive and very interested in improving her writing.
Katena became a regular member of the Friday Follies, often sharing her writing from the prompt given that day.
I think she would be proud of the fact that she brought so many people together through her generosity and friendliness.
Shutta also wrote:
Ok, no. Katena was an old soul. Always urging others on. She was a student of mine many years ago. Thank you for letting us know Diane.
Shutta Crum
Many years ago, Katena co-founded the critique group which I've been part of for the past ten years. We often met at her house. Katena was the most gracious host, always offering us food and drink, coffee or tea or something cold, and Greek treats. We'd sit around her dining room table and help each other improve our writing.
Katena was a wonderful critique partner. Her comments, written in her very distinctive handwriting, were always both helpful and kind. She asked good questions. She was a great cheerleader for us as well, constantly encouraging each of us, supporting and believing in our work.
Katena was a great storyteller and a fine writer. I have read large parts of her two novels in progress, which drew on family stories and her Greek heritage. She worked on those novels in our group and at SCBWI writing retreats. I wish she had been able to finish them. Her loss reminds me to 'write like I'm running out of time.'
I miss Katena.
Our group misses Katena.
One thing I know I gained from Katena is confidence in my work. She was a gifted writer who worked diligently on her manuscripts but always made time to help others. Reading chapters from her historical fiction novel was never a chore. Her characters jumped off the page with heartwarming details and emotional resonance. I’m only sad her work was not published during her lifetime. She was one of the good ones and she’ll be missed.
Anita Pazner
also Anita:
There were so many of us who had their lives and their work enriched by knowing Katena. I am one of many. She was kind and helpful with a wicked-quick sense of humor. May we all live up to her expectations and the example she set.
Natalie Aguirre wrote:
I was very fortunate to have known Katena for over 20 years and to be in her critique group for over 10 years. I so agree with everything that everyone has said about her. She was a wonderful person and a talented writer. She was dedicated to her writing until near the end of her life, even when she was dealing with the challenges of John's declining health, his death, and her move after he died. And she was receiving possible feedback from an agent on her current submission. I know our critique group will feel a terrible hole in our hearts and our group without her there, as will I.
My heart goes out to all of us missing her.
Natalie Aguirre
Literary Rambles
also Anita:
There were so many of us who had their lives and their work enriched by knowing Katena. I am one of many. She was kind and helpful with a wicked-quick sense of humor. May we all live up to her expectations and the example she set.
Natalie Aguirre wrote:
 |
| Natalie Aguirre |
I was very fortunate to have known Katena for over 20 years and to be in her critique group for over 10 years. I so agree with everything that everyone has said about her. She was a wonderful person and a talented writer. She was dedicated to her writing until near the end of her life, even when she was dealing with the challenges of John's declining health, his death, and her move after he died. And she was receiving possible feedback from an agent on her current submission. I know our critique group will feel a terrible hole in our hearts and our group without her there, as will I.
My heart goes out to all of us missing her.
Natalie Aguirre
Literary Rambles
Ruth Barshaw wrote:
Big hugs, Diane. Thank you for letting us know.
Katena was a beautiful lady. I too remember her from events back in the days when we met often.
I didn't know she liked competitive ballroom dancing! That is so intriguing.
And, doesn't 80 seem young these days? It does to me.
May all who miss her feel her inspiration.
May all who love her feel her love.
Let's keep creating. We don't know how far our influence carries.
For those who can't easily follow the link at the moment, here is the text for her obituary.
-----------------------------------------
Katena Lafkas Presutti sadly passed away at the age of 80 on December 29, 2024. She was born on July 25, 1944 to George and Matina Lafkas.
Katena was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She graduated with an Associate Degree from Cleary University. Soon after, she explored living in New York and Connecticut, where she met her husband, John. They married on September 27, 1992, and decided to settle in Ann Arbor. Katena started her own headhunting firm and worked hard at recruiting executives from all over the country. She was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where she joined the Philoptochos Society, and participated in various ministries.
Katena’s two passions in life were competitive ballroom dancing and writing. She prided herself on being the founder of a writer’s group in Ann Arbor. Katena was an avid writer who loved writing fictional novels that were loosely based on her family’s real-life experiences. She also enjoyed traveling, cheering on the U of M football team, and watching reality TV, especially Dancing with the Stars.
Katena is survived by her stepchildren, John (Cheryl) and Lorraine (Matthew) Levey; grandchildren, Linus, Naomi, and Shaina Levey; godchildren, Stephanie Janet Hayes-Jackson, Andrea Coffman, Chrisoula Pefkaros, and Sharron Michos; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She is also survived by her dear friend and caregiver, Julie Torres, and longtime best friend, Pauline Skinner.
Katena was preceded in death by her husband, John Presutti; her parents; and her beloved cat, Gracie.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Katena’s honor to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 or made online.
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Love and peace to you all.
<3 Ruth
Ruth McNally Barshaw
www.ruthexpress.com
Lori Eslick wrote:
Diane, I am very sorry to hear of your loss, all of our loss.
Safe travels home to Katena.
This is a small community. Hold each other close.
Big hugs, Diane. Thank you for letting us know.
Katena was a beautiful lady. I too remember her from events back in the days when we met often.
I didn't know she liked competitive ballroom dancing! That is so intriguing.
And, doesn't 80 seem young these days? It does to me.
May all who miss her feel her inspiration.
May all who love her feel her love.
Let's keep creating. We don't know how far our influence carries.
For those who can't easily follow the link at the moment, here is the text for her obituary.
-----------------------------------------
Katena Lafkas Presutti sadly passed away at the age of 80 on December 29, 2024. She was born on July 25, 1944 to George and Matina Lafkas.
Katena was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She graduated with an Associate Degree from Cleary University. Soon after, she explored living in New York and Connecticut, where she met her husband, John. They married on September 27, 1992, and decided to settle in Ann Arbor. Katena started her own headhunting firm and worked hard at recruiting executives from all over the country. She was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where she joined the Philoptochos Society, and participated in various ministries.
Katena’s two passions in life were competitive ballroom dancing and writing. She prided herself on being the founder of a writer’s group in Ann Arbor. Katena was an avid writer who loved writing fictional novels that were loosely based on her family’s real-life experiences. She also enjoyed traveling, cheering on the U of M football team, and watching reality TV, especially Dancing with the Stars.
Katena is survived by her stepchildren, John (Cheryl) and Lorraine (Matthew) Levey; grandchildren, Linus, Naomi, and Shaina Levey; godchildren, Stephanie Janet Hayes-Jackson, Andrea Coffman, Chrisoula Pefkaros, and Sharron Michos; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She is also survived by her dear friend and caregiver, Julie Torres, and longtime best friend, Pauline Skinner.
Katena was preceded in death by her husband, John Presutti; her parents; and her beloved cat, Gracie.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Katena’s honor to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 or made online.
------------
Love and peace to you all.
<3 Ruth
Ruth McNally Barshaw
www.ruthexpress.com
Lori Eslick wrote:
Diane, I am very sorry to hear of your loss, all of our loss.
Safe travels home to Katena.
This is a small community. Hold each other close.
All good things,
Lori McElrath Eslick
Lori McElrath Eslick
Kristin Lenz:
I was lucky to know Katena too. She was always interested in our individual projects and so supportive. I think I might have first met her at one of Shutta's summer gatherings 20 years ago when I was new to SCBWI.
She came out to cheer me on at one of my book events in Ann Arbor many years ago. Being a new author, I didn't know that we were expected to sign/write only on the title page. I wanted to write her a longer note, so I used a different page and the bookseller tried to stop me! But of course, Katena told her she didn't mind, and I finished my appreciative note to her.
Thank you for sharing, Diane. Much love and comfort to you and Katena's family and friends.
Kristin
--
Kristin Bartley Lenz
Writer, LMSW Social Worker
Author website
Betsy McKee Williams:
Thank you, Diane, for posting this sad news. I am glad I got to meet you at Katena's funeral service, and so glad to have been in her critique group for years. Katena was a wonderful and supportive friend, a great commenter, and a great writer. I too hope to see her novel on bookshelves someday.
Paula D’Addona
I first met Katena about nine years ago. I was a member of her critique group. We often met at her house. Katena welcomed everyone and made them feel like family. She hosted critique group holiday dinners until Covid hit and we met on Zoom.
Katena sent encouraging emails when anyone in our group was going through a difficult time. I appreciated that and could feel her love and prayers.
Katena gave thoughtful and positive critiques. Her suggestions were given in a way that made you grow in your writing, but never made you feel down about yourself as a writer.
In my time with Katena, much of her writing was kindled by her Greek heritage. Whether it was a New York romance, or a story inspired by her grandfather coming to America, she was proud of her heritage.
The final time I saw Katena was last summer at her husband’s funeral. Though her health had not been great, she greeted everyone in her usual loving way, making each of us feel special.
Paula D'Addona
Kim Bartosch
I met Katena in 2018 or 2019—my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, so I’m not entirely sure of the exact year I joined her writer’s group. I was introduced to the group by Betsy Williams after meeting her at an SCBWI Shoptalk in Ann Arbor. My first meeting was at Katena’s house, and I’ll never forget how warm and welcoming she was. She was such a gracious host—so kind and thoughtful—and she made me feel right at home from the very start.
Being part of Katena’s writer’s group gave me the opportunity to read her young adult romance and her middle-grade novel based on her grandfather’s journey from Greece to America. Her writing was always rich with beautiful descriptions—I could vividly picture the settings in Greece and New York City, almost as if I were there myself. And her food descriptions! The way she wrote about Greek dishes made me crave every delicious meal she mentioned. I even teased her once that she should write a cookbook.
Beyond her talent for description, Katena had a gift for giving writing advice in a way that made you want to improve—not just for yourself, but because you wanted to impress her with your next revision. She inspired me, and I know she did the same for so many others.
One of my favorite memories of Katena is our last Christmas celebration at her home with our writer’s group. She made the evening so much fun—her warmth and joy were truly infectious. We spent the night laughing, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was a wonderful time, and I’ll always cherish that memory.
Meeting Katena and joining her writer’s group was one of the biggest reasons my book got published. Her support, along with the encouragement of the rest of the group, helped me shape my YA paranormal mystery, Ask the Girl, into its best form. With their help, I was able to win the writing competition I entered—an achievement that ultimately led to my book being published with Woodhall Press.
Katena’s advice and encouragement during the revision process kept me going, pushing me to tackle every edit and rewrite with determination. I’ll always be grateful for her belief in me.
Katena would be overjoyed if Neko were published. This middle-grade novel was so close to her heart—it told the story of her grandfather, who, at just 12 years old, fled an abusive father in Greece, boarded a ship to America, and found a way to survive on the streets of New York City in the late 1800s. She poured so much passion and hard work into this book because she deeply wanted to share his journey. I truly hope her family finds a way to publish it. If they do, I have no doubt she’ll be doing backflips in heaven.
also from Kim Bartosch:
I’m going to miss Katina and her beautiful smile so much. My heart is broken losing such a wonderful friend and critique partner. When I moved to Michigan, she, Todd, and Betsy welcomed me into their critique group with open arms. I’ll always be grateful for her friendship, guidance, and the chance to be part of her writing circle.
Katena would be overjoyed if Neko were published. This middle-grade novel was so close to her heart—it told the story of her grandfather, who, at just 12 years old, fled an abusive father in Greece, boarded a ship to America, and found a way to survive on the streets of New York City in the late 1800s. She poured so much passion and hard work into this book because she deeply wanted to share his journey. I truly hope her family finds a way to publish it. If they do, I have no doubt she’ll be doing backflips in heaven.
also from Kim Bartosch:
I’m going to miss Katina and her beautiful smile so much. My heart is broken losing such a wonderful friend and critique partner. When I moved to Michigan, she, Todd, and Betsy welcomed me into their critique group with open arms. I’ll always be grateful for her friendship, guidance, and the chance to be part of her writing circle.
I really hope her family will consider publishing her stories—she’ll always live on in my heart, but it would be so special to see her legacy continue in her work. My favorite was her MG about her grandfather who came over from Greece.
Jay Whistler:
I met Katena at one of my first SCBWI-MI conferences over 20 years ago. From the moment I did, I could tell she was a special person who saw the good in everyone around her and always had a kind word. She was soft-spoken and quiet, but she was anything but meek.
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| Jay Whistler |
I met Katena at one of my first SCBWI-MI conferences over 20 years ago. From the moment I did, I could tell she was a special person who saw the good in everyone around her and always had a kind word. She was soft-spoken and quiet, but she was anything but meek.
At that same conference, she and I were in the same peer critique group. She listened to comments people made, observing. At last, she would offer her thoughts, focusing on aspects no one else had addressed.
It was my first conference, so I didn't have a lot of experience with critique groups. She was quite astute, as I came to learn over the years, and I can still picture her in that first group, her back to a giant picture window, just the barest hint of a smile on her lips, as if everything she was hearing were somehow the most important words she'd heard all day and she was privileged to hear them.
Katena attended many conferences over the next two decades, and I always made a point to say hello. She was a calming presence during a chaotic weekend.
In 2016, I attended the novel intensive at the Boyne Retreat and was once again in a group with Katena. Everyone at our table was an amazing writer, and we all received wonderful feedback from one another.
In 2016, I attended the novel intensive at the Boyne Retreat and was once again in a group with Katena. Everyone at our table was an amazing writer, and we all received wonderful feedback from one another.
The group got along so well, one of them decided to keep us together as a critique group in 2017, and then we held our own retreat in the spring at the Gilchrist Retreat Center near Three Rivers, Michigan. We wrote during the day and came together in the evenings to critique, share writing prompts, talk about books, and revel in all the creative genius around us.
I got to know Katena even better through this critique group and the retreat, and I will always be grateful for that because she showed us all what a truly special woman she was, what a huge heart she had, and she made us all feel like our words mattered. Hers certainly did, and I will think of her fondly whenever I hear her name.
Jay Whistler also wrote:
Jay Whistler also wrote:
Diane, thank you for such a lovely remembrance of a lovely soul. I was fortunate enough to be in a critique group with Katena for a while, and she was a generous, kind, thoughtful, and encouraging member of our group.
Her story was filled with a pride for her family roots, and you could tell it was the novel of her heart. I only wish it had wound up on bookshelves for everyone to experience.
Jay Whistler
Diane Telgren:
I first met Katena through SCBWI in 2002, when I was seeking a critique group after moving back home to Michigan. SCBWI matched me with Katena's group in Ann Arbor, and I quickly learned to value her feedback.
Jay Whistler
Diane Telgren:
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| Diane Telgen |
I first met Katena through SCBWI in 2002, when I was seeking a critique group after moving back home to Michigan. SCBWI matched me with Katena's group in Ann Arbor, and I quickly learned to value her feedback.
Not only was she thoughtful and clearly dedicated to her writing, she was kind and supportive.
We remained in the same monthly group for ten years, cheering each other on as we built our novels chapter by chapter or got feedback at the several SCBWI-MI conferences we attended together. She remained a valued critique partner even after I left Ann Arbor, and always ended every phone call with, "I know you're going to get published some day. Your work is just too good not to find a home."
I always believed that Katena would find success, as well, for she was so dedicated to improving her novel based on her grandfather's experience leaving Greece and coming to America. Katena's community meant a great deal to her, whether it was her family, her Greek community, or her writing friends, and I will miss her wise insights and loving generosity.
Diane Telgen
Shutta Crum:
Katena was a student of mine when I was team teaching creative writing with my husband at Washtenaw Community College way back in the early 1980s. She was attentive and very interested in improving her writing.
Katena became a regular member of the Friday Follies, often sharing her writing from the prompt given that day.
I think she would be proud of the fact that she brought so many people together through her generosity and friendliness.
Shutta also wrote:
Ok, no. Katena was an old soul. Always urging others on. She was a student of mine many years ago. Thank you for letting us know Diane.
Shutta Crum
Betsy McKee Williams
Katena was a wonderful critique partner. Her comments, written in her very distinctive handwriting, were always both helpful and kind. She asked good questions. She was a great cheerleader for us as well, constantly encouraging each of us, supporting and believing in our work.
Katena was a great storyteller and a fine writer. I have read large parts of her two novels in progress, which drew on family stories and her Greek heritage. She worked on those novels in our group and at SCBWI writing retreats. I wish she had been able to finish them. Her loss reminds me to 'write like I'm running out of time.'
I miss Katena.
Our group misses Katena.
Betsy McKee Williams
Thanks, Charlie for doing this. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for compiling this beautiful remembrance of Katina.
ReplyDeleteThese is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI miss Katena so much! Thank you this lovely memorial.
ReplyDelete