Vassiliki Sassaris

Vassiliki Sassaris, 85, fell asleep in the Lord on January 26th, 2025. Vassilki was the beloved wife of the late Andreas, loving mother of Loula (Matthew) Merkel and John (Anastasia) Sassaris, devoted grandmother of Andreas and Alex Merkel, and Sophia, Andreas and Athena Sassaris, and dear sister of Evanthia Katsafouros and the late Andreas Stamatiadis.
Born in Athens, Greece to Demetrios, a refugee from Asia Minor, and Stavroula, an orphan from Mani, she was the first in her family to pursue an education beyond high school, earning a certificate in accounting. This education allowed her to provide for her family and eventually led her to meet her future husband, Andreas, and emigrate to America. Arriving in Chicago with little command of English and even less in her purse, Vassiliki's determination and sharp head for numbers secured for her a job as a staff accountant at Western Textile. Her intellect, strong will, and incredible work ethic allowed her to rise successfully. Eventually, she achieved the role of CFO at Western Textile, and later, she moved into a similar role at Artline, Inc. before retiring.
The congregation at St. George Greek Orthodox Church became Vassiliki and her husband's surrogate family. Vassiliki served in various leadership and volunteer roles in support of the Church's Philoptohos Society and Ladies Educational Society, making many close friendships along the way. Her zeal for education, righteousness and self-discipline extended into and through the lives of her children and grandchildren – sometimes with enticements (like her legendary pastichio) and often with "the look." Vassiliki's zest extended to every part of life – whether it was playing cards, shooting hoops, downing shots of ouzo or dancing Zeibekiko.
Visitation will take place from 4:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W. Talcott Rd., Park Ridge, IL. Funeral service 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
May Vassiliki's memory be eternal.
Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.