Christina J. Koulis

Christina J. Koulis, age 85, passed away peacefully with the Lord on August 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 1,1939, in Steno, Tripolis, Greece the oldest daughter of late Nikolaos and Theodora (nee Foutris) Prasopoulos.

In 1966, Christina married the love of her life, John, in Greece, and together they embarked on their American dream, immigrating to the United States. As her husband’s steadfast rock, Christina helped nurture not only a deeply loving family but also the success of several thriving restaurant businesses they built side by side.

Christina’s Greek Orthodox faith was the foundation of her life. She ensured her children were raised in the church, and in partnership with her husband and several families, she was among the founding fathers of St. Sophia Church in Elgin, Illinois—serving as a committed and faithful servant of her community.

Christina loved traveling back to Greece to spend time with her amazing siblings and dip her toes into the Mediterranean Sea; the beach was one of her happy places. She was an amazing cook, and she knew each grandchild’s favorite dish and delivered every time they came to visit her. She was a gardener extraordinaire and could grow just about anything, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, herbs and her prized possession roses. Those roses line the entryway to her home; a preclude to the beauty, love and strength every person received when they entered her home.

Her most prized accomplishment in life was undoubtedly the family she built with her husband. Her devoted son and three loving daughters were her whole world, and her grandchildren her pride and joy. She would do anything for her family, particularly her grandchildren. She had a hand in raising all of them, making soupes, baking koulouria and her famous bread to suffice their every wish. “Yiayia”, or better known as “Yiayoula,” was undoubtedly there for her grandbabies and loved them so much. As a wife, mother, and friend, Christina was strong, loving, kind, generous and selfless; always putting others before herself. Beloved by all who knew her, she will be missed dearly by every heart she touched.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, to whom she was married for 50 years; her devoted parents, Nikolaos and Theodora (née Foutris) Prasopoulos; Devoted sister to her siblings late Panagiotis (late Eleni) Prasopoulos, Konstantina (Dimitrios) Turovolas, and Maria (Nikiforos) Melegos. Devoted mother of James (Beth) Koulis, Angie Koulis, Terri (Nick) Tsavaris, and Helen Koulis. Cherished grandmother of Yiannis, Christos, Michael, Stefanos, Yiannis, John, Demi, Dora, Christina, Rena, and Christina; great‑grandmother of Nikola, Rowen, Leon, and Viviana. Dear aunt to numerous nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Greece; beloved friend to many.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12th, from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road, Elgin, IL with Father Andrew Karamitos officiating. The burial will be immediately following at Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 Thatcher Ave., River Grove, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox -Church of Elgin, IL. Arrangements by Demeros Funeral and Cremation Services 847-302-7176