Obituary of Frances Iskalis

Frances Samios Iskalis Teacher, philanthropist, Joliet business operator, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Frances Samios Iskalis, Fran as most of her friends and family referred to her, passed away at the age of 84 early Saturday morning, May 15, 2010 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. She was supported with much love by friends and family. Fran's life was marked by numerous accomplishments and a great amount of community and religous involvement. She was supported and surrounded by a large Greek family and a host of wonderful friends she made in her lifetime. Frances had a passion for learning and educating others. Her education included a B.A. in Art and Education for the College of St. Francis in 1970, additional studies of art at the Chicago Art Institute, NIU and business at Lewis University. Frances was a lifelong member and past president of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet where she also taught art for the Greek Cultural Program and Greek School. She taught art to thousands of children (grades one through eight) at the Cathedral of St. Raymond for 22 years, and taught classes in gourmet cooking at Joliet Junior College. She was instrumental in organizing and leading the Joliet chapter of the Daughters of Penelope, the women's affiliate organization of the AHEPA Family, which is a leader in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities with local chapters in the United States, Canada and Greece. She held longtime memberships and leadership roles with Around Chicago Art Educators, Joliet Toastmistresses Club, Joliet Artists' League, Illinois and National Art Education Association, Art Institute of Chicago, the Joliet area Business Professional Women's organization and Rotary. Joliet residents probably remember Fran as owner and operator of Leader Cleaners on Republic Avenue for over 50 years. In 1996 she was recognized by the Joliet Herald News as "Woman of the Year." She was born in Joliet in 1925 and she is survived by her daughter, Anastasia (James) Murtaugh; grandsons, Christopher George and Jonathan Patrick Murtaugh. Preceded by her husband, George Iskalis; son, John Iskalis and infant daughter, Helena Iskalis. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Samios; sister to the late Anthony Samios, Dr. Constantine "Gus" (Connie) Samios, late Thomas (Suzanne) Samios, Irene (Ted) Hauntalas, Joan (Dr. Louis) Dimas, Diana (late Dr. James) Demetry, Marina (William) Kougias and Tia (Dimitri) Nazos; brother-in-law, late Constantine (late Betty) Iskalis. Frances has numerous nieces and nephews. Frances was marked by the ability to speak her truth and help those around her to feel comfortable in her presence. Family and friends remember Frances as quick-witted, generous, intelligent, resilient and kind. Fare thee well. Funeral services for Francis will be Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church for services at 9:30 a.m. Fr. Stephen Bithos officiating. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be greatly appreciated. Visitation Wednesday 3-8 p.m. with Trisagion Services at 5:30 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 BLACK AT ESSINGTON RDS. FOR INFORMATION (815) 741-5500