Mary Koulogeorge Obituary

Koulogeorge, Mary T.

Mary T. Koulogeorge née Dallianis passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023 at the age of 92. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Irene Dallianis née Manzagliotaki and the adored wife of the late James A. Koulogeorge.

Mary was born in Tripoli, Greece on June 17, 1931. She fondly recalled the long ship journey to New York's Ellis Island and the excitement of seeing the Statue of Liberty welcoming her to America. Mary's family moved to Chicago where she worked in her father's restaurant and graduated from Forman High School and Wright College. She met Jim Koulogeorge at a Church dance where he prophetically remarked "I think I am going to marry you" and indeed they married on June 12, 1955, moving to the northern Chicago suburbs.

Realizing that the Greek Orthodox community was rapidly growing on Chicago's North Shore Mary and Jim in 1959 spearheaded a meeting at their home to gather other Orthodox faithful to petition the Archdiocese to allow the formation of a suburban Church. On November 12, 1959 their efforts resulted in the formation of the granting of the charter for Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL. which remains to this day a vibrant house of worship. In 1960 Mary was the first chairperson of the Church's annual Bazaar or Holiday Fair which at the time was a unique concept. Mary was an active member on the Ladies Philoptochos Society serving in many capacities including treasurer, chaplain, Dinner Dance chair, and cookbook editor. Mary and Jim were also founding members of Orthodox Christian Laity a nationwide organization that promotes unity among the Orthodox faithful.

Mary was proud to have raised four children who each earned graduate degrees. She was the family's Greek school instructor and after raising her children she re-entered the workforce in the 1980s. As "Yiayia" to nine grandchildren she was known as the "kissing machine" who showered them with unconditional love. Mary was well known as a hospitable gracious hostess and a talented cook. The Chicago Tribune Magazine on March 18, 1979 published a two page article about Mary featuring her Greek traditions and wonderful recipes. She was also featured in the book "Greektown Chicago: It's History – It's Recipes". Patrons of the Church bake sales and bazaar bakery would request Mary's bake goods by name. Her desserts in particular were fabulous.

Most of all Mary will be remembered for the gracious and courageous way she conducted herself during her 45 year battle with multiple sclerosis. She literally never once complained about being struck with the disease. She would occasionally fall, but never accept assistance in picking herself up off the ground, Eventually she became wheelchair bound but still organized art projects and cookie baking parties for her grandchildren. She remained active socially, attended the theater and movies regularly and all Church and family events. Her positive attitude, joy for life, integrity and trust in God were an inspiration to all.

Mary is survived by her beloved children Patty (Mark) Damisch, Steve (Phaedra) Koulogeorge, Mark (Karen) Koulogeorge and Paul (Eliay Barr) Koulogeorge as well as her brother John (Debbie) Dallianis. She was preceded in death by her brothers Harry Dallianis and Bill (Dina) Dallianis. Mary cherished her nine grandchildren Kristina (Kevin) Damisch, Katherine (Kevin Pollack) Damisch, Mara (Nate) Wittman, James (Jordan) Koulogeorge, Sarah Koulogeorge, Alexandra (John O'Neill) Damisch, Peter Koulogeorge, Miranda Koulogeorge and Andrew Koulogeorge. It was her joy to welcome into her family five great grandchildren, Leah and Greyson Koulogeorge, August Wittman, Michael O'Neill and Luke Pollack. She was a treasured cousin, aunt, koumbara, nouna and friend to many.

A special thank you to her caretakers Janice, Ashley, Debbie and Heather who were wonderful companions and gave Mary such tender care.

Visitation Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 9:00 AM until time of Funeral Service 10:00 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL 60025. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Orthodox Christian Laity PO Box 6954, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405-6954 or the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre, 220 N. 1st Street, Wheeling, Illinois 60090. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.

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