BESSIE CHRONOPOULOS

Bessie Chronopoulos, age 72 of DeKalb, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021.  

Bessie was born in Chicago, the daughter of the late Aristoteles and Stavroula (Orfanos) Chronopoulos. She attended college at Northern Illinois University where she fell in love with DeKalb and became a lifelong area resident, educator, and public servant.  She retired after a 35+ year career as a teacher in the Genoa-Kingston school district, while simultaneously dedicating her extra time and passion to local government. Bessie served as Alderman to the fifth ward beginning in 1970 until 1997 when she became the third and most recent woman to be elected Mayor of DeKalb. While her official political career ended in 2001, Bessie remained involved in local government until her death. Dedicated to her faith, Bessie was a devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Like everything in her life, she supported the church community in every way she could.

Bessie is survived by her beloved godchildren, koumbari, and cousins: Goddaughter Niki (Andres) Arias and Koumbari Helen (the late David) Wallace; Goddaughter Elisabeth Wright and Koumbari Kathy & Steve Wright; Goddaughter Elizabeth Vasilogambros and Koumbari Bill & Susan Vasilogambros; Godson Tom Scheele; Cousins: Nick (Arlene) Gouskos; Kathy (the late George) Nickolopoulos; Costas (the late Bessie) Gouskos; Nick (Dina) Orfanos; Dora (the late Pantazis) Panos; Dina (George) Kalosakas.

Bessie was a role-model to many. She advocated for her community and didn’t just talk the talk, she led by example. A kind-hearted teacher, brave leader, and loving friend to so many, Bessie will truly be missed. Her memory will live on in her loved ones and the legacy she left behind in DeKalb. May her memory be eternal.

Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Trisagion Prayer Service on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb.

The private funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2021, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, with Fr. Dustin Lyon officiating. The service will be live streamed on the church facebook page.  Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing will be required at both Visitation and Funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bessie’s name can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or Tails Humane Society, both local organizations dear to her heart.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.

 

Services
Visitation

Thursday, February 25, 2021
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Anderson Funeral Home
2011 South Fourth Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115

Private Family

Friday, February 26, 2021
10:00 AM

St. George Greek Orthodox Church
320 South Second Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115

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