Mary R. (Rousopoulos) Gianopulos

Mary Gianopulos beloved mother, yiayia, aunt, sister and dear friend passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday, February 18, 2024. She was welcomed into heaven by Harold, her soul mate of 57 years. She leaves behind an amazing legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to God and her family.

Mary was born on November 25, 1940 at Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago to Stavros and Rose Rousopoulos. Mary’s parents immigrated to the US from Greece.  She adored her older brother John and her kid brother Deno. She grew up in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood. Her childhood was characterized by church picnics and Lake Michigan beach outings with her family.

Mary's greatest joy in life was her relationship with Jesus Christ, her love story with Harold and creating memories with family. She married her lifelong crush Harold  on June 15, 1960. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love for God and love for others.  Mary was a devoted mother to 3 children: Skip, Stephen and Jennifer. She fully embraced her two in-law kids, Gayle and Jeff, as her own. She was the family’s guiding light, always offering support, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Mary was known for her gift of hospitality, warm heart, and pride in being a true homemaker. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and cherished. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, where she delighted in cooking delicious meals and creating lasting memories. She tirelessly served without ever drawing attention to herself.  Mary will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, others focused love and compassion that will continue to inspire those of us who knew her.

Mary is survived by Harold Jr. (Skip) Gianopulos (Gayle), Stephen Gianopulos, and Jennifer (Jeff) Griffin as well as seven “wonderful grands”, Jorah, Stephanie, Jessica, Allison, Janai, Jake, Cassidy, her brother, Deno (Samme) and a large extended Greek family.

Mary is preceded in death by her father Stavros (1987), mother Rose (1976), devoted husband Harold (2017), brother John (2014), nephew Stavros (2020), and other cherished family members.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 25th, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St., Barrington, IL. 60010. A second visitation will be held Monday, February, 26th, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the celebration of Mary's life at 10:00 a.m. at The Orchard Church of Barrington, 1301 South Grove Ave., Barrington, IL  60010. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s honor to The Orchard Church (Barrington General Fund) where both Mary and Harold committed their time and resources. The Orchard Church, 1301 South Grove Ave., Barrington, IL  60010 or The RISE Program where Mary was passionate about giving students with intellectual disabilities a college life experience. This program was inspired by her two granddaughters with special needs. The RISE Program at Judson University, 1151 North State St., Elgin, IL  60123.

Though Mary may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will live on in all who loved her. May she rest in peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be forever remembered.