Josephine Marie “Mama” Gallegos Katsanevas
February 8, 1938 - March 21, 2023
Josephine Marie “Mama” Gallegos Katsanevas, age 85, passed on March 21, 2023. Her final moments were spent peacefully with her family by her side.
Mama was born in Bingham, Utah on February 8, 1938 and was one of eight siblings. She was a graduate at Bingham High School. At just 15, she began modeling
at various clothing retailers, for art classes at the University of Utah, and at the Hotel Utah for hairstyling events. At the age of 19 she met her future amazing husband, Dimitri “James” Katsanevas while both were working at the Tampico Mexican Restaurant. They fell instantly in love and married. While starting their own family together, they opened Jim’s Lounge in Salt Lake City, followed by the highly regarded Athenian Restaurant and Club. Later, Mama and James lived in Anaheim, California where they opened Minos Burgers. Upon their Utah return in 1983, they opened their life-long venture and family legacy, Crown Burgers on Highland Drive—which is still family-operated today by their 3 children Maria, Rita, and Michael.
Known for her generosity, caring nature and overwhelming faith, Mama will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She instilled in her family to continually think of others and to always be inclusive. She felt her fulfilled best when others around her enjoyed themselves in life—she had a heart of gold. She loved music (especially Elvis and Johnny Cash), cooking her famous chili for her grandkids and taking gambling trips with friends and family to Las Vegas and Wendover. More than anything, her undying dedication to her family remains her personal legacy. She made an everlasting impact on her children and grandchildren, leading by example and passing along her own traits of respect, love, and thoughtfulness.
Josephine is survived by her sister Dora, children Maria (Steve), Rita, and Michael (Joann) and her grandchildren, Christopher (Kathryn), Demetria (Brandon), Dimitri M., Dimitri K. and Anthony. Preceded in death by her parents, husband James, and six siblings.
A private funeral ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to Holy Trinity/ Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Mama’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing.
We love you, Mama. You will forever be in our hearts. May your memory be eternal.
In Loving Memory
MY LOVING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF JOSIE, SHE WAS SUCH A SPECIAL LADY IN SO MANY WAYS, I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED HER BEAUTY AND ENDLESS LOVE FOR HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS, SHE WILL SURELY BE MISSED BY SO MANY, SHE IS NOW REUNITED WITH HER LOVING HUSBAND JAMES, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL REUNION IT MUST BE, RIP JOSEPHINE........................ANGIE ERICKSON
ANGIE ERICKSON
MURRAY, UT
So sorry for the families loss, may her memory be eternal.
Peter M Katsan
North Salt Lake, UT
It is so hard to lose one's mother. I send my most heartfelt condolences to your entire family, along with Godspeed to your Mama on her next adventure. May God give you all comfort through your glorious memories.
Ellen Mitchell
Salt Lake City, Ut