Thomasine Novas

Thomasine Novas née Dreko, age 89, fell asleep in the Lord October 29, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Peter Novas for 67 years. Loving mother of Dr. Jeanne (Al Busano) Novas and Dr. Lorraine Novas. Devoted daughter of the late Sotiri and Vasiliki Dreko née Evangelidis. Proud grandmother of Jonathan and Vincent Busano and Dr. Lana (Jonathan Rockower) Kammerer and the late Eric Kammerer. Dear sister of Vasili (Evanthia) Dreko and the late Petro Dreko, Kosta (the late Sophia) Dreko, Christina (the late Taki) Rossopoulo and Giorgo (Fofo) Dreko. Fond aunt of Taki (Brigit) Istavarinos, George (Marina) Rossopoulo, Eric (Entela) Nova, Jim (Lindsey) Nova, Thekli Poulouki, Erato (George Kasimatis) Poulouki, Iro Poulouki, Vasoula (Xristos) Agapitithis, Sofia Dreko and Sotiri (Maria) Dreko.

Born and raised in Constantinople, Thomasine was a graduate of Zapion, a private Greek High School, and attended University of Istanbul until she married her beloved husband Peter. They shared the same background of Hellenized Albanians, or Epirotes, who migrated to Constantinople dating back to the 1800s. After “Ta Septembriana”, she emigrated to Chicago on her husband’s work visa with International Harvester Research and Development. While raising her two daughters, she taught Greek at St. John the Baptist and St. Nectarios Greek school, and at Harper College. After 30 years of teaching, she retired with her husband to Marco Island, Florida where they spent 20 years volunteering and participating at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church. They went swimming daily, took long walks on the beach and analyzed the stock market together. Her beloved husband Peter preceded her in death by just 18 days.

Visitation Friday, November 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM until time of Funeral Service 10:00 AM at Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 133 South Roselle Road, Palatine, IL 60067. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church or BACOA Dementia Friendly Barrington Area would be appreciated. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.