Obituary of Eleni Kaldis

Eleni "Yia Yia" Kaldis, 97, of Granger, formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. She was born on November 24, 1918 in Greece. Yia Yia was the beloved wife of the late John Kaldis. In 1967 the loving couple, along with four of their seven children, moved to Chicago, Illinois to start a better life for them and their family. A homemaker most of her life, she filled her time caring for her family and others. She was a lady of great faith and a member of the Greek Orthodox Church throughout her life. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting and her many travels back to Greece to spend time with family. Yia Yia will be mostly remembered for always giving unselfishly of herself to others. As each new grandchild was added to her family, she was always found present, to assist and help in any way possible. She had an infectious smile that could light up a room and was affectionately known to all as Yia Yia. She always wished for peace and happiness upon everyone she met. She is preceded in death were her parents, her husband and her siblings. Yia Yia leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children; Georgia (George) Alexakos, Spiros (Vasiliki) Kaldis, Irene (Thomas) Veikos, Vasilios (Patricia) Kaldis, Maria (Nick) Giannakakis, Pete (Vanya) Kaldis and Andriana (Christos) Tolis, proud Yia Yia of 22 grandchildren, great-grandmother to 32 and a fond aunt of many. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.(CST) at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home on 6150 N. Cicero Ave., in Chicago. Family and friends will meet Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. (CST) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 6041 W. Diversity Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60639. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, per Yia Yia's wishes, should be directed to Holy Dormition Chapel, 32365 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, Indiana 46552. She attended St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church as long as she was able. Father George Konstanopoulos and Yia Yia shared a special bond and that bond will continue through his attendance at her visitation and funeral. The family thanks him for his prayers and dedication. The family of Yia Yia wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff (extended family) at Westwoods of Niles for their love, care and devotion. There kindness will never be forgotten. Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with her family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com. Local arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.