Thomai "Tammy" Stavropoulos

Thomai “Tammy” Stavropoulos, nee Karounos, died December 23, 2022 of advanced cerebral vascular disease.
She was born on December 29, 1940 in Magoula, Lakonia, Greece to Spiro and Roxanne Karounos. Tammy and her younger siblings immigrated to America to join her older siblings who had established a home for them in the Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago.
She was an independent soul venturing outside the home as a union garment worker before she met and married Pantelis (Paul) Stavropoulos on March 25, 1961. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before he preceded her in death February 23, 2021. They, like many immigrants of their generation, didn’t have much, but their commitment to each other and their dreams of a better future kept them working toward their goals.
She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She ran a tight ship, kept her house in order, and was an amazing cook and baker who welcomed all to her table. She was a living example of Matthew 25:31-46, being present for everyone in good times and in hard times. She loved her church and faith, tirelessly volunteering at St. Sophia’s and later at St. Francis nursing home.
She leaves to mourn her daughter, Roxanne and her children Zoe (Ryan) and George (Shannon), son, Bobby (Cathy) and his children Paul (Ashley), George (Jaime), and Natalie. Her sisters, Eleutheria Pappas, Androula Karounos, Roxanne Christeas, Vasso Pappas, Angie Karounos, Evangelia Karounos, and Athanasia Karounos, brothers, Anargyros and Bill Karounos, over 30 nieces and nephews, many many good friends, and her godchildren, especially Fotis & Danielle Haimalas.
The family will forever be grateful to the neighbors of Greens Lane who watched over her these past few years. Thank you.
She and her warm smile will truly be missed by many. May her memory be eternal.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 4 at 10am at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church with graveside service following at Bayview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.