Heleen Thanasouras-Gillman Obituary

I had stopped by the restaurant with Ngozi today, Sunday, July 23, 2017 as we normally do each time we were in downtown Chicago, only to learn that you had passed on almost 2 years ago. We were very sad but glad that we got to know you and you became a part of our family. We will miss you dearly. NO wonder the Xmas cards stopped coming, I thought it had to do with us moving. Rest in peace.

Heleen Thanasouras, Class of 1970 Marywood, you were so kind and welcoming to me when I transferred to Marywood the 2nd half of Junior year.
You made me feel so welcome, what a wonderful women you will be truly missed.

May you rest in peace Heleen. Nancy Kirby (Marywood '70)

Dear Family,
Heleen made a difference in my life and I'd like to share. In 1977 I started my career as a Print salesman in the west loop. Back in the day, entertaining clients was the thing and it was at Rosebud that I met Heleen and we immediately became friends. I know that over the years we've been somewhat apart I did make a point of stopping in to visit her at Lou Mitchell's and catching up on life. I will miss my friend and my condolences go out to all who's life she touched.

I am so grateful to have known you. Thank you for being a very special person in my life.

I have known Heleen since I was a little girl. Our family lived next door to her family in Chicago and I still vividly remember how beautiful, strong, vibrant and what a great friend and neighbor she was to me. She was funny, blunt, and to the point and extremely caring and sweet. She was gorgeous in every way. We would sit in her bedroom and sing songs like "The look of Love" and "What the World Needs now". You will be greatly missed. xxx

Kathryn,
I am out of the country and only learnt of your loss today. My love and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless and may her memory be eternal.
Love, Laurel

Helene ----a dear friend always with amile and humor. You were all blessed to have her in your lives. Again our deepest sympathy. God Bless All. Dr Pat

so sad to read about heleen. your longtime friends from the southside. helen and carolyn jovial club

Larger than life. As bright and beautiful as you were courageous and strong. You left none of us as you found us...
Thank you for picking me up all those years ago, brushing me off and making me the woman I am today...
I love you and have no idea how I will go on without your light -
but I will, dear friend, as you would have it no other way.
Journey on Heleen, lay the path, Dear God how we love you and know we will meet again...

Love, The Chambers

My heart goes out to the family. She was such a wonderful person. She was always so inspiritionally motivating for me. I loved that she always spoke the truth. She will truly be missed and loved.

Kathryn, my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you on the loss
of your beloved daughter. Eternal be her memory!

We aren't even sure how to begin saying all the wonderful things about Heleen that we want to. This feels like a bad dream that we just can't wake up from. The last week has been so mentally and emotional draining for us; our hearts hurt and are broken into a million pieces.
Heleen was truly one of a kind. She always knew how to make us smile, laugh and had a heart of gold. She always told you her honest opinion, even if you didn't want to hear it ☺. Heleen was the type of person that made you want to be better. She acknowledged the good qualities that you possessed, even if you didn't realize they existed. Heleen was like my second mother, taking me in under her wing and spending entire summers at a time with me. She would pack my lunches for me every morning before dropping me off at summer camp. I will never forget and always cherish our time together.
Heleen was a role model to many. We can't even express how much she will be missed by not only us, but by many other people in this world. We love you so much.

Xoxo, Terry & Allison Kioutas

My thoughts and prayers are with Lloyd and the entire family. My sincere condolences. I pray you find comfort in your loving memories of Heleen.

our thoughts and prayers are with Heleen and her family

Helena, you were the Marywood wildcard that created countless memories. Those fond memories will always keep you alive. You have touched and changed more people than you know. My heart breaks for Kathryn, Dean, Nick and family. May you find peace in Helena's peace. Always love, Franny

My heart is broken for the loss of Heleen. My deepest sympathies go out to her entire family. Anyone that met her, remembered her. She was one of a kind, and I will miss her very much.

Also, don't let me forget you Lloyd! My prayers go out to you! I know how difficult it must be for you right now.

Our deepest sympathies to Heleen's family. This horrible news is so hard to believe as Heleen was the very essence of life. She will be very much missed both at Lou Mitchell's and at Lake Point Tower where she always seemed to be family to everyone.

I shared in Lloyd and Heleen's joy at Adam and Lara's wedding in New York. Now I share in their sorrow at the loss of such a bright light in all their lives--and everyone's who met her. My best and warmest wishes,

My condolences to Lloyd and her family. I am still stunned and very saddened by Heleen's loss. I will always remember her fondly. The swimming pool at Lake Point Tower will never be quite the same without her presence. May her soul rest in peace. Respectfully, Lori Pacella

As being Heleens loyal customer and phone guy,
and constantly maintaining her phone system, I became great friends with her and her family and staff. She constantly asked me about my sick parents, my job, and my girlfriend. I always looked forward to seeing her Mercedes out front and knowing I could share some good conversation upon entering Lou Mitchell's. Ginas and my prayers are with the Thanas family. Heleen will definitely be missed!

It seems impossible. Anyone who knew or ever met Heleen would be shaken up by the devastating news...because Heleen embodied the best of everything we know of life -- joy, the feeling of connection to everyone and everything, optimism, realism, kindness, compassion, caring, industriousness, and so much more. My heart goes out to the whole family and to all her many coworkers and friends who are grieving.

We are still in shock and will miss you everyday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. You truly will be missed at Lake Point Tower...The Damon Family

You may be gone but you're not forgotten. People would gravitate towards you you had a great warmth and personality that everyone loved. With Sympathy, The Cliff Koroll Family

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.