Olga Garoufalis

Olga Garoufalis (née Visias), of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, just days before her 94th birthday.

Born on September 22, 1931, in Duluth, Minnesota, Olga was the proud daughter of Greek immigrants. Her father was a founding member of the first Greek Orthodox Church in Duluth, instilling in her a lifelong devotion to her faith and heritage.

Olga graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, with a degree in art, earning awards for her exceptional talent in painting. Following her passion for creativity, she began her career in women’s fashion at a major department store in Duluth. At age 22, she moved to Chicago to join Marshall Field’s prestigious management training program, soon working in the famed “28 Shop.”

Over the years, Olga rose to become fashion manager for Martha Weathered, and later at I. Magnin and Bonwit Teller. She worked alongside elite designers and clients, earning recognition throughout Chicago and New York’s fashion circles. Though offered opportunities in New York, Olga chose to build her career and life in Chicago, where she became a fixture in the city’s fashion industry.

In 1960, under the iconic Marshall Field’s clock, Olga met the love of her life, Angelo. They married that same year and shared 65 wonderful years together. Devoted to each other, they chose to dedicate their time and resources to family, friends, and community.

Olga volunteered for many years at Swedish American Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Prentice Women’s Hospital. A tireless supporter of Northwestern and Prentice for 27 years, she was honored to sign the final girder placed in the new hospital building. Her warmth, smile, and gracious spirit touched everyone she met.

Olga and Angelo traveled the world together, were loyal patrons of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and ardent fans of the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks. She also enjoyed golf, playing with the same elegance and precision she brought to every part of her life—always “down the middle.”

Olga is survived by her devoted husband, Angelo, and her beloved nephew, Leon Garoufalis, his wife Ann Marie, and their children, JB, Alexis, and Luke, whom she cherished dearly. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Matthew Garoufalis, Maria Chase, and Mark Garoufalis.

Visitation will be held at Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660, on Wednesday, September 24, at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, IL 60076.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prentice Women’s Hospital, Maggie Daley Oncology Unit.

Arrangements by Demeros Funeral and Cremation Services. For information, please call 847-302-7176