Obituary of Amanda Georgantas
Age 96, of Joliet, IL passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020. She was born February 26, 1924 in Castle Shannon, PA to the late Mary (nee Howard) and Tony Eliakis. As a young child, she moved with her family to Morris, IL, where she developed a true passion for agrarian living and homestyle cooking.
She is the beloved wife of the late Elias Georgantas (2005); loving mother of Maria (Sava) Hohlastos and the late Gust (Maria) Georgantas; dearest grandmother of Michael (Kelly) Hohlastos, Elias (Maria) Hohlastos, Anthony Hohlastos; Amanda Mertes and Jimmy Georgantas; proud great-grandmother of several great-grandchildren including triplets, Sava, Dina and Vasili; and Sebastian.
In addition to her husband Elias and son Gust, Amanda is also preceded in death by her brothers, Louie (late Georgia) Eliakis, Steve (late Pauline) Eliakis and nephew, Tony Eliakis.
Mrs. Georgantas and her husband lived in Crest Hill, IL, where they owned and operated the Crest Hill Florist and Greenhouse. In her younger years, she waitressed at the former Sheridan Restaurant in Joliet, where she met her beloved husband.
Known to many as ‘Mandy’ or simply ‘Yiayia’, Mrs. Georgantas was the archetype of the Greatest Generation. While she endured the hardships familiar to all Americans during the Great Depression and WWII, Mrs. Georgantas never spoke of any misfortune. Those who met her were always captivated by her optimism, humbled by her generosity, and impressed by her endless bounds of energy.
The matriarch of a small family, Mrs. Georgantas always relished hosting holiday gatherings, where the Greek delicacies were plentiful. Summertime cookouts, long car rides with essential stops for ice cream, and visits to Phillips Park were just some of the ways she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Faith in God and love for family were sacred above all. Perhaps, for some, she will best be remembered for her oft-repeated salutation, “God love ya honey!” For others, it just might be her charismatic nature and gentle disposition.
She was a longtime member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. May her memory be eternal.
Visitation will be Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. Masks and distancing are required and capacity restrictions will be observed.
Private funeral services will take place at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church with Interment following the services at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
