It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, Tia, and friend, Margaret Hernandez Karamitsos, 85, of Santa Fe, Texas. Margaret, most lovingly called “YaiYai,” passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Margaret was born on February 20, 1941, to Rogers Hernandez and Aurora Salinas Hernandez. She filled her life with what mattered most to her — family and friends — and her home was always open, her heart always generous.

She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and an active member of the Friendship Club. Her faith was the foundation of her life and a guiding light to all who knew her.

Margaret worked faithfully as a nurse’s aide and dietician at St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston and Clear Lake Regional Hospital, caring for others with compassion and strength. Once her children were grown, she embarked on a new adventure alongside her beloved husband — affectionately known as “the Greek” — serving as first mate aboard yachts that traveled the world. Together they made multiple voyages to Florida, the Bahamas, and across the ocean to Greece and France, creating lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.

Upon returning home, Margaret transitioned from first mate to “boss lady” at the family business, Karatech Machining, where she worked alongside her family until her final days. Her work ethic, leadership, and unwavering dedication were admired by all.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved children, Joe Henry Karamitsos Sr. and Chrisantha (Karamitsos) Reyes, and her angel great-grandchild, Lydia Karamitsos.

She leaves behind her knight in shining armor and husband of 61 years, Stavros Karamitsos Sr.; her son, Stavros Karamitsos Jr. (Lauren Kominek);  her daughter, Lisa (Karamitsos) Reed; her son-in-law, Ricky Reyes; her daughter-in-law, Wanda Karamitsos; her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Cain) McDaniel, Joe Karamitsos Jr., Timothy (Debra) Karamitsos, Stavros Karamitsos III (Caitlyn Campo), Myles Reed, and Reece Reed; her great-grandchildren, Joseph Karamitsos, Thomas Karamitsos, Easton McDaniel, Peter Karamitsos, Charlie McDaniel, and Amelia Karamitsos; and her godchildren, Jason De La Cruz, Krystal Harkless, and Lawrence Hernandez.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas, with Don LeCompte officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas. Burial will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park in Hitchcock, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Stavros Karamitsos Jr., Stavros Karamitsos III, Myles Reed, Jason De La Cruz, Refugio “Cookie” De La Cruz Jr., and Timothy Karamitsos.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Breakthrough T1D).

Margaret’s legacy of love, strength, faith, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.