Tiana Cocallas

Tiana Cocallas, lovingly known as Nana, 90, passed away on November 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 25, 1935, to Sylvia and Constantine Economos, Tiana grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where she attended Evanston High School, and formed many of the friendships and values that guided her throughout her life.

Tiana went on to attend Albion College and later transferred to the University of Michigan. She ultimately earned her bachelor's degree in education from National Louis University. She began her career teaching 4th grade at Joseph Sears School in Kenilworth, touching the lives of many students with her patience, warmth, and quiet dedication.

In 1957, Tiana married James, and together they built a home filled with love, faith, and laughter. She was deeply involved in the life of Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, especially through the Philoptochos Society, where she served as President and volunteered countless hours. Creative, organized and hardworking, she had a way of making even the most complicated tasks look effortless.

Tiana had a lifelong love of the arts. She sang with the Sunshine Choir in Lake Forest for many years, and she found great joy in playing the piano and reading. At home, she was a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook, entertaining book club, bridge and game night friends. She was happiest when her table was full and her friends and family were near.

Above all, Tiana was devoted to her family, and they were the joy of her life. She was a constant presence in her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives – attending their games and events, reading them books, working on crafts, and singing and playing with them. She felt blessed to be surrounded by so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (20!), and she cherished each of them. Her kindness, elegance, and gentle spirit were evident in the way she cared for others, and her quiet strength and acceptance of everyone were a steady presence in the lives of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed.

Tiana is survived by her children, Andra (Michael) O'Neill , Dean (Kathy) Cocallas and Andy Cocallas; her grandchildren, Michael (Kristen) O'Neill, Ryan (Jessica) O'Neill, Tiana O'Neill (Alex Zupancic), Matthew (Corey) O'Neill, Andrew (Abby) O'Neill , David (Kim) Cocallas , Taryn (Taylor) Gheen, Bryan (Sarah) Cocallas, Athena (Kylie) Cocallas, and Maia Cocallas; and her great-grandchildren, Alayna, Colin, Zachary, Ryan, Kassiani O'Neill, Mia and Owen Cocallas, James, Alexandra, Grace, Calvert, and Samuel O'Neill, Chloe, Cameron, and Jordan Gheen, Adelina and Cruz O'Neill, Keelan Cocallas, Margo O'Neill, and MacKenzie Cocallas. She is also survived by her brother, Peter (Anne) Economos, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and her parents, Sylvia and Constantine Economos.

Tiana's family is grateful for the many years they were blessed to share with her, and for the love, example, and memories she leaves behind.

Per Tiana's express wishes, please OMIT flowers.

Donations in Tiana's name can be made to Saints Peter and Paul Philoptochos or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, LTD 847-375-0095