Panagiota Giannoulias

Panagiota Giannoulias (née Kostopoulos), born on November 7, 1947, in Kalavryta, Greece, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. She was 77 years old.

Panagiota immigrated to Chicago in 1975 with her beloved husband, Dr. Spiros Giannoulias († February 1, 2014), and their young son, Christos. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family, community, and compassion for others.

A faithful, devoted, and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Panagiota—known lovingly as Yiota, Thea Yiota, or Yiayia—touched countless lives through her boundless empathy and warmth. Her radiant smile and kind eyes could light up any room, but it was her deep, genuine love for others that illuminated even the darkest of days. She was a safe haven to many: always ready to listen without judgment, offer a comforting word, or embrace you in a way that made you feel better and the world a little less heavy. Her gift was simple yet profound—she made people feel truly seen, valued, and loved.

Panagiota is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. Christos (Patricia), Stavros (Sara), and Kostas; her cherished grandchildren who gave her strength: Owen Spiros (18), Paige Josephine (16), Spiros Christos (14), Eli Stavros (11), and Kathleen Grace (11); her beloved brother, Kostas (Sophia); her dear sisters, Kiki (†Kostas), Olympia (†John), Aspasia (Dimitri), and the late Irini (†George); and many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength that will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 8025 W, Golf Rd., Niles, IL. Funeral service will take place on Friday, June 27, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 7373 N. Caldwell Ave., Niles, IL. Interment will follow at Ridgewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Panagiota’s memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois or St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements by NICHOLAS M. PISHOS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, LTD. (Hellenic Funeral Service), Info: 847-833-9522