User:Katerina mertikas/sandbox

Katerina Mertikas born Patrinos in 1957 in Tripoli Greece. Parents Antonios and Georgina Patrinos moved to Canada in 1960 finally settling in Ottawa. In 1963 her brother was born Harry A. Patrinos in Ottawa. She moved back to Greece when she was 7 and lived there with her brother and paternal grandparents for 3 years while her parents stayed for 2 years in Canada working and finally returning to Greece to built a new home and a restaurant. As most immigrants of that era money was tight and they moved back permantelty to Canada. Katerina went to school in Ottawa and always loved art. She married young at 17 1/2 years of age to Dimitry Mertikas who was visiting Canada from Greece. They had their first daughter Loukia 2 years later and 6 years after that Gina was born too. Katerina started painting full time when Gina was in grade 1 and became a very successful canadian artist. www.katerinamertikas.com She partnered with UNICEF, childrens lung Association, Juvenile diabetes and many other worthy charities and made a name for herself. Her bright happy art was sought after.

Her brother Harry A. Patrinos went on to university and he was Magna cum laude in Canada University of Ottawa and received his Phd in Sussex England in economics. He later married S. Roddies and they have a son Antony and live in Washington D.C. and Harry is a lead economist forthe World Bank and has authored and co authored 7 books on third world countries and child poverty and education.

Loukia is married to Costa Zigoumis and they have two sons Christos and Dimitry. Gina married Sean Lavictoire and they have a daughter Katerina and a son James.

Katerina illustrated a childrens book Days to Treasure a book of seasons. Her annual sold out art shows keep her happily employed and hopes to continue painting for ever. Travelling and spending most of time with her family is her most precious achievements. She is a happy, optimistic person and always sees the best in people.