Obituary of Georgia Hatzis

Hatzis, Georgia P. "Jean" (nee Pelias) Age 82. Peacefully, Thursday, February 17, 2011 at her residence with her family by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Joliet on April 23, 1928 to the late Stephen and Sylvia (nee Tassaras) Pelias. Jean received her Masters Degree in Special Education at Northern Illinois University, a Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Illinois, and attended Joliet Junior College and Joliet Township High School. She was an enthusiastic, dedicated and caring educator retiring in 1993 from the Joliet Township School System after many years of service as the Dean of Students and a special education teacher. She was also formerly employed by Chaney Elementary School as a teacher. A lifetime member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, member and past President of the Daughters of Penelope, and a member of the Philoptochos Society. She served on many boards and philanthropic organizations in her later years, and was most active with the V&A Society where she served as past President, the Joliet Area Community Hospice Board, Lewis University Cultural Advisory Board, AAUW, Joliet Junior Women's Club, and many others. Jean had an innate sense of purpose when it came to making the lives of those around her better. Her dedication to her students pursuit of education was met with a myriad of tools which were tailored to each students need. Her desire to help her many worthy community needs were met with a tireless pursuit to help financially through her fundraising veracity. A good game of Bridge with her friends was something she always looked forward to and when Jean entered a room, the party was more lively than before she came. Jean was a force of nature, an extraordinary woman with a great sense of humor who was known for her big heart. The greatest loves of her life were her husband, children, and most of all her grandchildren. Preceded in death by the love of her life and best friend of 60 years, the late Michael N. Hatzis (2009); her parents; one sister, Betty Iskalis Krier; and three brothers-in-law, Manny Hatzis, Constantine Iskalis and Wallace Krier; one uncle, Dr. Evangelos Tassaras. Jean was the loving and devoted mother of Susan (Eric) Nelson of Naperville, Michele (Gary) Polvere of Barrington, and Dr. Nicholas (Colleen Mulcahy) Hatzis of Chicago; cherished "Yiayia" of Jennifer and Elizabeth Nelson, Stephanie, Alexander and Marissa Polvere, and Michael and Patrick Hatzis; her beloved sister, Evelyn "Bea" (William) Michas of Shorewood; her two sisters-in-law, Mary Hatzis, and Cathy Hatzis; four nephews, Thomas (Susan) Iskalis, Stephen (Molly) Iskalis, Steven Hatzis, and Christopher (Vicky) Hatzis; one niece, Sylvia Michas; many great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and her special caregivers whose loving touch was deeply appreciated also survive. Funeral Services for Jean P. Hatzis will be Monday, February 21, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church for services at 10:00 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or All Saints Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 3-8 p.m. with Trisagion Services at 6:00 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500