Athena Demeros

Athena Demeros (née Gianakopoulos), age 88, of Chicago, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Born on March 26, 1937, in Afissou, Sparta, Greece, she was the devoted wife of Arthur for 64 years and the cherished mother of Dr. George (Helen) Demeros, Aspasia (Peter) Lageotakes, and Angelo (Georgia) Demeros. Athena was a proud and loving yiayia to Arthur and Michael Demeros, Athenamarie (Dr. Thaddeus) Hawley, Lambros and Athena Karkazis, and Athena and Kyriaki Demeros. Fond sister-in-law to Menis and Voula Demerakos and loving aunt to many.

Athena was preceded in death by her parents, Evangelos and Gianoula Gianakopoulos; siblings Christina (Panagioti) Makris and Nikolaos Gianakopoulos; brothers-in-law, John (Martha) Demeros, Nikolaos (Panagiota) Demerakos; and sisters-in-law, Ekaterina (George) Pierrakakis and Panagiota (George) Kanellakos.

Athena was deeply devoted to the Lord and her beloved community at Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a founding member and served as its Philoptochos President from 1977–1978. She worked for many years at Marshall Field’s, where her dedication and elegance earned her recognition as one of Field’s Finest numerous times. Known for her impeccable style and dynamic personality, Athena left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her seven grandchildren, and the many friends she leaves behind. May her memory be eternal.

Visitation Monday, December 29, 2025, at Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 7373 N. Caldwell Ave., Niles, IL from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ridgewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, c/o Philoptochos Society.

Arrangements by Demeros Funeral and Cremation Services, 847-302-7176.