Mary L. Kanelos née Leakakos, age 96, fell asleep in the Lord July 4, 2023. Beloved wife of Nick G. Kanelos for 64 years. Loving mother of Dina (James) Dowmon, Thomas (Maryann) Kanelos and the late Nicholas (the late Barbara) Kanelos, Jr. Devoted daughter of the late Athanasios and Maria Leakakos and Ourania Leakakos. Proud grandmother of Andrew, Katherine, Maria, Michael (Kristen), Nicholas (Catherine) and Amalia. Dear sister of the late Bill, Gus, James, Christ, George and Peggy. Fond sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and godmother of many.
Mary grew up in the shadow of the beloved Church of the Panagia on the far west side of Chicago. Her mother died when Mary was born and her early life was not without difficulty. She took her solace and comfort at Church. She became a woman of strong Faith and her example for motherhood was the Mother of God. She lived for her family. Mary was determined that her children and grandchildren would know how much they were loved. Giving them the warm touch of a loving mother that she did not have. She succeeded.
Nick and Mary had a wonderful marriage, and each “rescued” the other. They raised 3 devoted children and were blessed with 6 grandchildren on whom they showered love and attention. They traveled extensively around the US and the world even into their late 80’s. They never missed any activity of their grandchildren. Their circle of friends extended far and wide, their social calendar was always full and lived life to the fullest.
She was a woman who overcame a difficult childhood and built the most important thing one can build, a strong family. A family which remained united, loving and close to her until she returned to the Lord. An ordinary woman who through faith, love and an endless ability to forgive, became a extraordinary woman.
Visitation Tuesday July 11, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Nelson Funeral Home 820 West Talcott Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Funeral Service Wednesday July 12, 2023 11:00 AM at Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 7373 North Caldwell Avenue, Niles, IL 60714.
Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to OCAA Nika House Center, 810 West Oregon Street, Urbana, IL 61801 would be appreciated. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.
May her memory be eternal.
