JUSTICE, IL – Stamatiki Papoutsis (nee Tzianos), Matriarch of the family, passed away peacefully on September 21. She was born on February 20, 1920 in Desylla, Messenia, Greece. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Papoutsis; loving mother of Betty (Peter) Kourasis, Tom (Beth Ann) Papoutsis, James Papoutsis; Grandmother (Yiayia) to Lea (Sam) Mandarino, Tina (Nick Pavlidis) Kourasis, Elena (Dave) Salvi, Joey, Catherine, Paul, Andrew and Mia Papoutsis; great-grandmother (Granny) to Anna, Bella and Peter Mandarino, Alex and Luke Pavlidis, Leo and Mikey Salvi; cherished aunt and friend to many.

Stamatiki Papoutsis came to the United States from Greece with her young family, persevered in her new country while raising her family and working as an accomplished seamstress. She instilled in her children family values, a strong work ethic, and the belief in higher education as the key to success. She hosted and mentored extended family members when they came to the U.S. to pursue their education and career endeavors. She was an avid gardener and was admired for her extraordinary culinary and baking skills. Family events and celebrations gave her great joy. She was a world traveler and in her advanced age she bravely drove through the mountains of Greece to visit family and friends. Her kindness touched the lives of everyone she knew. May her memory be eternal.

The visitation was held September 25 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church 7560 S. Archer Road Justice, IL. The funeral service followed immediately after visitation. Internment at Bethania Cemetery, also in Justice, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre, 220 First Street, Wheeling, IL 60090 or to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc. For information, please call 815-462-0711 or 815-260-0668 or go to www.orricofuneral.com.