Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Northern Illinois University

FUNERAL HOME

Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb

2011 South Fourth Street

DeKalb, Illinois

Bessie Chronopoulos Obituary

Name: Visitation for Bessie Chronopoulos
Start: 2021-02-25T21:30:00.000Z
End: 2021-02-26T00:30:00.000Z
Location: Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Chronicle on Feb. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Bessie Chronopoulos

Sponsored by Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb.

14 Entries

Tom and Julie Sorensen

February 18, 2025

Just yesterday, Tom and I found some of the "Greek Mountain" tea you'd given us tucked way back in the cabinet. Sadly, we'd forgotten about it, but gladly, we'd never forget about you. Miss you, kind Bessie.

Julie Atkinson

March 1, 2021

“Miss Chronopolous” was my 5th grade teacher. She was one of the best. I will always remember her smile, her sense of humor & fun, her kindness, her care for each of us and her creativity. She made learning fun. I greatly respect and admire all she did to make a difference in so many ways in so many lives. She now is enjoying eternal rest in God’s Presence. May He hold all her family & friends as they remember her.

Julie Atkinson

March 1, 2021

“Miss Chronopolous” was my 5th grade teacher. I consider her as one of the best. I will always remember her smile, her kindness, her care for each of us, her creativity. She made learning fun. I have great respect for all she has done to make a difference in so many ways in so many lives. God bless her friends and family as she finds her rest.

PAUL PYTLAK

February 28, 2021

What a beautiful woman. I used to work with her at DeKalb Public Hospital. When I was first employed and did not know anyone, she welcomed me like family. I was new to the community, and she made me feel like I came from DeKalb. My condolences to her family, as I know they miss her so.

The Board & Staff of the Glidden Homestead

February 28, 2021

Bessie was a great supporter of the Glidden Homestead, participating in Diva's Dish for many years. She will be missed.

Love always, Julie and Tom

Planted Trees

Nicole Fricke

February 25, 2021

My sincere condolences to Bessie's family as well as her church family. She was an amazing woman that touched all our lives in a positive way. With a broken heart, I wish her eternal rest in God's kingdom. We love you Bessie.

Teresa Iversen

February 25, 2021

DeKalb was a better place to live because of Bessie. Her kindness to others and love of DeKalb was genuine. She will be greatly missed.

james connors

February 24, 2021

As the city manager appointed soon after her election as Mayor, I found Bessie always wanted the best for all of DeKalb residents. Before making a decision, she would listen to all, read all the information, study all sides to an issue, ask many questions before proceeding. She truly always thought of others and not herself. Integrity, honesty and transparency in government were her pillars.

Karen Gouskos

February 24, 2021

Bessie I hope you are being held in Gods loving arms and surrounded by peace and happiness. You are with your mom and dad now. We love you cousin Bessie and we will miss you! Nick and Karen Gouskos

Marsha Swetin

February 24, 2021

Bessie was a good friend for many, many years, teaching together in Genoa and both of us loving DeKalb. Her kind heart also extended to my daughter who loved to come to her house, play with her animals and over the course of years, Voula became a "grandmotherly" member of our family. My sadness over her passing is only overshadowed by the generous, loving and kind-hearted spirit she had. The amazing legacy she leaves behind will forever be a blessing to her family and those who knew and loved her, the City of Dekalb and St George Greek Orthodox Church.

Soula Bahramis

February 24, 2021

I was blessed to have known you, Bessie. Your heart was pure gold. May your memory be eternal.
Soula Bahramis.

Nancy Partch

February 24, 2021

Bessie was a long time supporter of Barb Food Mart. Load-in Coordinator Scott Cochrane, "I remember many a Thursday morning emptying out her car filled with paper goods". Her generosity and advocacy for the DeKalb community will be remembered.

John Pappas

February 23, 2021

No one fought more for her believes then bessie. She will be missed. Rest In Peace.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results