Mary T. Koulogeorge Death – Mary T. Koulogeorge, née Dallianis, passed away gently on December 20, 2023, at the age of 92. She was the beloved wife of James A. Koulogeorge and was born in Tripoli, Greece, on June 17, 1931, to Thomas and Irene Dallianis, née Manzagliotaki. Mary’s extraordinary life began upon her arrival in America. The Statue of Liberty represented her new home, and her landing at Ellis Island offered her hope for a fresh start.
She relocated to Chicago, took a job at her father’s restaurant, completed her education at Wright College and Forman High School, and rose to prominence as a North Shore Greek Orthodox leader. She married James A. Koulogeorge in 1955 after they first met at a church dance, and they later relocated to the northern Chicago suburbs. At the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, Illinois, which they founded together in 1959, Mary’s faith flourished. In 1960, she held the inaugural Church Bazaar chair, showcasing her innovative mindset.
Mary left an indelible mark on the Ladies Philoptochos Society during her tenure as treasurer, chaplain, chair of the Dinner Dance, and cookbook editor. By founding Orthodox Christian Laity, Mary and her husband brought Orthodox Christians together across the country.
Mary was a superb Greek school teacher who, after raising four children with graduate degrees, returned to the workforce in the 1980s. She was a “kissing machine,” devoted and unwavering, and known as “Yiayia” to nine grandchildren. Mary, who is renowned for her cooking and hospitality, has been highlighted in “Greektown Chicago: Its History – Its Recipes” and the Chicago Tribune Magazine. Mary will always be recognized for her accomplishments and bravery during her 45-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
She arranged family get-togethers and maintained daily social interactions while being confined to a wheelchair. Her faith and perseverance touched everyone who knew her. Mary is survived by her brother John (Debbie) Dallianis and her beloved children Patty (Mark) Damisch, Steve (Phaedra) Koulogeorge, Mark (Karen), and Paul (Eliay Barr) Koulogeorge. Mary leaves behind a big family and network of friends, as well as devoted grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Harry and Bill (Dina) Dallianis, her brothers, passed away before her. The family is appreciative to Janice, Ashley, Debbie, and Heather for their thoughtful care of Mary. Visitation hours at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL 60025, are scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The funeral will be held at Skokie, Illinois’s Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre (220 N. 1st Street, Wheeling, Illinois 60090) or Orthodox Christian Laity (PO Box 6954, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405-6954). Arrangements are handled by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.