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BORN
1917
DIED
2017
Phyllis Leonakis Obituary
May 31, 1917 - June 30, 2017
SOUTH BEND - Phyllis “Filio” K. Leonakis, 100, died Friday, June 30, 2017 at Wellbrooke of South Bend. She was born May 31, 1917 in Van Houten, NM to the late Katina (Roupus) and George Kallimani. On February 27, 1938 she married Otto G. Leonakis who died in 1979. She is survived by her son, Thomas O. Leonakis (Deb) of South Bend. She was preceded in death by sons, George O. and Kris O. Leonakis. She is also survived by grandchildren, Maria Strafford (Chris) of Granger, Filio Riber( Sam) of Cincinnati, OH, Stephanie Holland (Steve) of Granger, Krista Hawthorne (Ched) of Granger, George “Casey” Harrelson of Orlando, FL, Dan Gartee (Kate) of Elkhart, IN and Anne Gartee of South Bend as well as Tony Corr of South Bend; 14 great-grandchildren, Lexi, Nick, Kristina, Alaina, Sammy, Nina, Eve, Alec, Mia, Nico, Alexander, Hank, Ella and Claire; Phyllis's siblings, Chris Kallimani of Mt. Prospect, IL, John Kallimani of Elkhart, IN and Evangeline Briscoe of Novato, CA; and daughter-in-law, Catherine Leonakis of Granger. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Helen Comer, James Kallimani, Kanella “Connie” Dunias, Evanthia Zimmerman and Costa Kallimani. She also had the love of 26 nieces and nephews, as well as many great- nieces and nephews.
Phyllis and Otto founded Roseland Fruit Market currently known as Roseland Garden Center. She was a long time member of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church and also served as president and treasurer of the Good Samaritans of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, July 3, 2017 in St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 N. Ironwood Dr. with Father George Konstantopoulos. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A Trisagion Prayer Service will be prayed at 11:00 in the church. Committal services will be held at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank everyone at Wellbrooke for taking such loving care of Phyllis during her stay there. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church.
E-mail condolences may be sent at www.welsheimer.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Leonakis
6 Entries
Mary Stephenson Powers
July 9, 2017
Tom and family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom. We Stephensons know how difficult it is to lose our parents, no matter how long we are blessed to have them with us. I did not know your mother, but I do know what wonderful sons she raised in you and George, and that grace extended to all of her children and the entire Leonakis family. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you move forward without her.
Connie M. Day
July 6, 2017
TOMMY AND FAMILY,
I ALWAYS HAD LOVE AND GREAT RESPECT FOR YOUR MOTHER. I AM HAPPY SHE LIVED SUCH A LONG AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE. WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM THE CHARLES SMITHS' AND CONNIE M. SMITH-DAY FAMILIES.
July 5, 2017
Tom and Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure she was a great lady and will be missed. God needed another angel! I will pray for her.
Amy Tinlin
Daphne Rudhman-Litton
July 3, 2017
May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family and bring the blessing of comfort knowing she is with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed!
July 2, 2017
Tom, you were an amazing son to your mom. She was such a delightful person. It's ironic she came into my life twice, and such a pleasure always. It was obviously ingrained in her to be a caring person. To see her reach out and touch a face with such tenderness was awe inspiring. I'm glad to have know you both. Respectfully, Pamela S. Vantine, RN
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