Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral And Cremation Center

Obituary Detail

February 07, 1953 April 25, 2019
February 07, 1953 -- April 25, 2019

Maren Andonia Karras, Age:66

Maren (Marina) Andonia Karras of Chicago, fell asleep unto the Lord after a valiant and vigilant battle with cancer. Born on Feb. 7, 1953 in Evanston, Illinois, she was the devoted daughter of the late Antoinette Thlimmenos Karras. She is survived by siblings, Robert, Kimberly, Thomas & Demetra. She was the beloved aunt of Carina Andonia Karras; Koumbara, Joanne Rimkus; beloved niece and namesake of Maren Swindell; loving cousin to Georgia Milosovic, Kiki, Lina and Alex Panos; Godmother to Vincent & Peter Rimkus. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

 

 

Maren was an astute student graduating Evanston Township High School a year early and attending Northern Illinois University where she earned her degree in education, followed by a master’s degree in both communications and psychology. She taught at Walker Elementary School in Skokie for some years, before transitioning to her other natural calling, public relations, at which she thrived. She started her own company, Images Etc., where she was responsible for media coverage and producing many events, including a party and concert featuring drummer Buddy Rich and the legendary Frank Sinatra. She returned to teaching some years later at Morton West High School where she was a student favorite. She retired in 2014.

 

Over the years, Maren committed her free time to various boards and organizations, helping create successful charity events, fashion shows, cotillions, etc. Maren was very involved in her church, serving on the Parish Council of St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, where she was also a member and past president of Philoptochos, and chaired the 2016 gala at the Drake Hotel. Additional public relations services were provided to the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois, Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre, United Hellenic American Congress, and the Hellenic Foundation. Maren was recognized in Who’s Who Women in Business. She enjoyed attending Greek Media Club events and especially loved getting together with her Alpha Omicron Pi sorority sisters, and she lived a full and happy life.

 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at Olson Burke Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, at 6471 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, from the hours of 4pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church at 733 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, at 10:30am, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Basil's Greek orthodox Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vergos & Associates Funeral Services under the direction of Olson burke Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center.

Condolences

Martha Espinosa April 29, 2019

Morton East Secretary Cicero , Illinois

My sincere condolences to Ms. Karras' family. We met when I was working in the dean's office at Morton East in Cicero, IL. She was so dedicated to being a teacher and always wanting to help her students. Rest in Peace.

Sharon Belmares Helma April 29, 2019

Former co-worker La Grange Park , Illinois

My condolences go out to the family of Maren. We worked together at Morton East HS and what I always remember when I think of her is how stylish she was! She was always dressed 'to the nines' as the saying goes. RIP, Maren; you will be missed and remembered.

Karen Judge April 29, 2019

coworker Cicero , Illinois

Maren was a kind and gentle soul. She has been missed at Morton East. May she find peace.