Stella Carlis

Stella Carlis, nee Manos. Beloved wife of the late Peter Carlis. Loving mother of Cleopatra (Theodore) Pirpiris and Katherine (Christian) Pappas. Devoted daughter of the late Harry and the late Katherine Manos. Proud yiayia of Juliette, Deanna, and Patrice Pirpiris; and Estelle (Dr. Constantine) Nicolozakes and Ian Peter Pappas. Great-grandmother of Blaise Nicolozakes. Dear sister of Frieda (the late Steve) Aravosis, the late George (the late Frieda) Manos and the late Panagiota (the late Kosta) Eliades. Sister-in-law of the late Pandeli (the late Maria) and the late John (the late Stella) Carlis. Fond aunt and godmother of many. Member of the Sellasia Educational Society and Cephalonian Brotherhood.

Stella Carlis, the epitome of selflessness, kindness, and service passed away in Chicago, IL, on February 4th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

More than anything, Stella treasured the precious moments with her loved ones, especially her two daughters. The true joys of her existence were her grandchildren, who she tirelessly nurtured and was extremely proud of. Her unmatchable love for children was fulfilled with the birth of her great grandson.

Stella's love for family extended beyond her immediate family to her many nieces, nephews, and godchildren, along with all of their children, whom she loved dearly.

Stella moved to Sellasia, Sparta (her parent's hometown) with her entire family, as a toddler after her mother's untimely death. This was where she spent her formative years, cultivating her passionate faith at the Holy Trinity church thanks to her maternal grandfather, who served as the priest.

This was also where she was caught in World War II as it raged in Greece, especially during the Nazi occupation of her village, which included her home being used as a command post. In the face of so much hardship, Stella never wavered in her faith, and her spirit of kindness and love continued.

When she returned to Chicago as a young woman, she worked at Brach's Candy Factory until her marriage to a budding young florist. Running their very own flower shop meant endless long hours of hard work, but she never shied away from putting all of her talent and energy into her family and her family's business, as that was who she was: hard working, driven, and selflessly serving other people. It was through flowers that she was able to express her deep faith and her commitment to Greek Fellowship, as she would constantly be asked to decorate the edifices and icons of most of the Greek Orthodox churches in the Chicagoland area. She was always particularly proud of decorating the icon of St. Gerasimos every year on behalf of the Cephalonian Brotherhood, a tradition she continued after her beloved husband's death, that she shared with her children and grandchildren.

After retiring from the floral business, she spent most of her time caring for her grandchildren, providing them with the comfort and boundless love that only a devoted and warm hearted figure like Stella could give. It was this trait that truly embodied her nature and made her the heart of her family and her community.

Through her entire life, Stella always had her sister, Frieda, by her side. They experienced every hardship and every triumph together, using their strong bond to rise to every challenge. Stella valued family above all else starting with her deep connection with her sister and continuing with each and every loved one that came into her life thereafter.

Stella radiated a warmth and love that enriched the lives of all who knew her. She was the foundation of her family, providing comfort, care, and kindness to those closest to her. Her love for life, her faith, and her family was powerful and unwavering, inspiring those she held in her heart to be just as selfless, kind, and warm as her.

Visitation Friday, February 6 from 4:00PM until 8:00PM at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W Talcott Rd, Park Ridge. Funeral service Saturday, February 7, 10:00AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave, Chicago. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove. Memorial donations via check can be made to the 13th District AHEPA Scholarship Foundation, Inc (memo: Stella Carlis), PO Box 576, Bedford Park, IL 60499. May her memory be eternal.

Arrangements entrusted to Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, 847-375-0095.