My beautiful wife, best friend and the love of my life has lost her most courageous and private battle with cancer. There was only one Desi. She grew up in Varna, Bulgaria and was the center of attention wherever she attended school. She had great, strong female role models including Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas, Sophia Loren, Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher. Desi was fascinated with history from an early age. She was a competitive long-distance swimmer and balanced her athletic life with being a very good student who earned her masters in agriculture.

Desi began her career on the cruise ships where she learned many skills that later gave her the know how to launch her own restaurant, Desy's Grill and Bar. It was on the cruise ships where she met Debbie Eaton who let her know about life in America and gave her encouragement to come to the States.

Desi's amazing work ethic, energy, ambition, creativity and personality gave her a piece of the American Dream that she hungered for and achieved. Along with Desy's, she had Sophie's Grill and Bar which became her signature achievement in offering amazing Bulgarian and other Balkan food with her European team to provide the atmosphere she wanted in the "Heart of the Carolina's" to experience. Desi was an ambassador to all people and was fluent in 5 languages. Her customers were diverse and were excited to have found a place they could enjoy and share with others for dinner, events and special occasions. Desi loved to entertain and meet her customers of which many became dear friends.

She loved Elvis from an early age and hosted events with Elvis tribute singers and a special menu for many years to the delight of all who attended. She told stories of her visits to Graceland to all who showed interest.

Desi loved being an American and enjoying her association with her local affiliation of her political party. Coming from a former communist country gave her more appreciation of the freedom of this great country that was fortunate to have a wonderful citizen in my amazing wife.

The local Bulgarian community saw her dedication and generosity with her commitment to their school, culture and a gathering place for her fellow countrymen and women. Her hospitality reached out to all people from all over the world seven days a week!

An eternal optimist, fashionista, chef, entrepreneur and friend to so many. I had the distinct privilege of having this incredible woman marry me both at Sophie's and at her home city of Varna, Bulgaria.

Desi is survived by her loving husband, Steven D. Katzenstein and her adoring parents, Velichko Nikolov and Elenka Nikolova. A special thanks to Nina Zhelev, Neli Dimitrova and Rumyana "Rumi" Rhoades and all close friends who stood by her side. She was also very close to Charles and Sondra Katzenstein (Steven's parents).

In lieu of flowers, Desi and Steven would be honored if gifts were made to Transitions Life Care, UNC or Duke Hospitals so that they can continue to do the great work in serving patients and their families.