Maria (Mary) Economou December 24, 1954 – February 12, 2023
Services for Maria (Mary) will take place all in one day on Friday February 17, 2023 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11105 South Roberts Road Palos Hills Illinois 60465. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The Funeral Service will begin Promptly at 10:00 AM. Maria will be laid to rest along side her beloved Peter at Evergreen Cemetery of Evergreen Park Illinois.
In lieu of flowers the Economou Family kindly asks that you may consider making a memorial donation in Maria’s name to her Grandson Ari’s college fund. This was Maria’s wish due to her love for learning and enthusiasm for teaching.
For information please contact Michael Orrico @ 815/260-0668 or Orricofuneral@comcast.net
Maria “Mary” Economou, 68, of Orland Park, passed away peacefully February 12, 2023 with her family by her side. Born on December 24, 1954, in the village of Lechaion, Greece, Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Konstantinos and the late Theodora Manasses. Accompanied by her mother Theodora, brothers, and sisters, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1958 at the age of 3. From a young age, Maria learned a strong work ethic. At 12 years old, she began working at her brothers’ grocery store Super Save Certified in South Chicago. It was a joy for her to work alongside her family at the store for over 20 years, and she created many fond memories working there in her many roles over the years. Maria had a love and curiosity for learning, prompting her to pursue a career in education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It was there she met her love and husband Peter, and they were united in marriage in 1979. Several years later, they had two children, Constance and Gus, whom they nurtured with all their love and support. Maria’s Greek heritage and Greek Orthodox faith encouraged her to enroll her two children at Koraes Elementary School in Palos Hills. This choice allowed her children to appreciate the Greek culture and faith as well. Maria worked as a devoted middle school language arts and social studies teacher at Jose Clemente Orozco Academy in the Pilsen neighborhood for 31 years. Her commitment and passion for teaching was evident over the duration of her long career. She even inspired her daughter Constance to follow in her footsteps since she, too, became an educator. Even after retirement, Maria had the urge to stimulate her mind and continue reading by making many trips to the library. She always wanted to acquire new knowledge. She was a scholar that had a life-long urge to learn by making intellectual strides. Maria’s greatest joy in her life was spending quality time with her grandson, Ari. Her world centered around him. Some of their daily activities together included singing songs, reading books, pushing him in his blue Mercedes car, and walking to the park. Many family members recall Maria singing “Mary had a little lamb” to Ari when they were in her presence. She expressed that she wished she had many more years left to live, so she could see him grow up. Maria is known for her constant selflessness, generosity, and kindness. She is described by many family members and friends as having a heart of gold. She always put others in front of herself. She touched the hearts of all those she encountered. Maria loved to be surrounded by family and friends. She enjoyed sharing memories and hearing others speak about cherished memories from the past. Engaging in good conversation was a must for her. Her smile, contagious laugh, sharp wit, and charm will be greatly missed. The most meaningful legacy Maria leaves behind is her love and devotion for her family and friends. She will forever live on in our hearts and souls. Her presence and spirit will continue to be felt by us in the years ahead.
Beloved wife of Peter Economou for 26 years. Loving mother of Constance (Steve) Vlahos, and Gus Economou. Dearest yiayia of Ari. Devoted daughter of the late Konstantinos and late Theodora Manasses. Dear sister of the late James (Tasia) Manasses, the late Gus (late Sophia) Manasses, George Manasses, the late Peter (Tina) Manasses, Angie (Nick) Brinias, the late William (Eleni) Manasses, the late Sam Manasses, Cathy (John) Kourelis, Thomas (Doreen) Manasses, Christina (Peter) Chiamas, and Athanasia (Napoleon) Papadopoulos. Dear daughter-in-law of the late Gus and the late Dina Economos and sister-in-law of Andy (Kalliope) Economos and Sophia (Dimitri) Roupas. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc. entrusted with all arrangements.