Katina Ekstrom

Katina "Tina" Bartsokas Ekstrom, 93, of Urbana passed away on Sun. April 9, 2023 at Carle Hospital. She was born to Tom and Elsie Bartsokas and became sister to Paul on Nov. 8, 1929.

Tina married John Ekstrom in 1952. Together they had 5 boys, John, Kenneth, Richard, Timothy, and Christopher. She is survived by 4 of her sons and her grandchildren, Heather, Jessica, Catlyn, Cacie, and Ram Diego and great grandchildren Briar, Harvey, and Ellie.

Tina attended UofI, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1955 and a Master of Arts in Education in 1975. She was an art teacher at Urbana Junior High School from 1974-89. In 1990, she moved to NYC and continued to teach art. Tina earned numerous awards from being appointed Miss VFW in 1951 to being listed as a notable Educator by Marquis Whos Who in 2019. She will be most remembered for her relentlessly kind heart and her sincere connections with everyone she met.

She taught for 45 years and gave thousands of children (and inadvertently many adults) an opportunity to express themselves. Inspired by her father, she honed the craft of calligraphy and created beautiful signs for local shop owners, friends, and new acquaintances (soon to be friends). If youre lucky, youre the proud recipient of a personalized note overflowing with her love and admiration of you.

Her family and dear friend Maurice "Sully" Sullivan will be hosting a celebration of her life at Bunnys Tavern at 119 W. Water St., Urbana this Sun. April 16th from 2-4 and welcome all who have been enchanted by Tinas sincere love and magic.