Stephanie Elaine Dalinis

Stephanie was born to James and Elaine Simms (Mitchell) on March 14, 1951 at Loretto hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She was the beloved wife of John “JD” Dalinis, proud mother of daughter Melissa and son Michael (Rita), loving grandmother to Corrine and Cecilia.

Stephanie is also survived by her seven brothers and sisters; John Simms, Adrianna Sminiotits, Margaret (James) Boylan, James Jr. Simms, Gregory Simms (Pam), Christine Caprio (Christopher)and was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Christopher (Simms).

Stephanie grew up on the NW side of Chicago, and since she could walk, began making her mark on the world. As an adolescent, she became an “ace” at throwing horseshoes (winning tournaments at Chopin Park), uncovered a life-long passion for reading from the moment she picked up her first Nancy Drew novel (evolving years later into Shakespeare and Stephen King, amongst others), learned to play the piano and her most cherished hobby and skill, crocheting. However, one of her fondest memories from her youth, is when she would help her grandfather (Mitchell) prepare the concessions by making popcorn boxes at the Patio movie theater (of which he solely owned) and climbing around in the organ pipe room after hours.

Her adventure continued throughout her teen years, where at the age of 14, she was cast as the lead (Cinderella) in the play held at Gray Elementary School, and later served as co-captain of the cheerleading team at Foreman High School (Class of 1969). While at college (Valparaiso University), Stephanie was captain of the volleyball team and worked weekends at Greek’s Pizzeria, of which she held fond memories. It is no surprise that Stephanie chose English as her major, largely because of her love for books and literature, but also since her dream was to teach “somewhere” in New England after graduation; yet, fate had other plans for Stephanie. During her senior year of college, she began her courtship with John (Dalinis) and they later married at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (Chicago) on June 2, 1974.

Stephanie had a robust personality, equally balanced with her loving and nurturing side, of which made her so special to so many people; friends, colleagues and especially her family.

As a mother (Melissa and Michael), Stephanie was always supportive and encouraging of her children’s education, hobbies, interests and well-being. She remained a proud and loving mother up to the end.

She had an inherent gift of finding lost and stray dogs, and was regarded in her community as great neighbor and friend. Additionally, Stephanie also found joy in baking and cooking, decorating for holidays, traveling and working as the Medical Records Coordinator at Westminster Place in Evanston and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Over the last few years, Stephanie continued to fuel her desire to develop new skills by becoming a fire arms enthusiast; she won several awards for her target shooting, of which she and her family were very proud.

Moreover, what really filled her heart the most in her later years, was becoming Yia-Yia her two beautiful grandchildren, Corrine and Cecilia (Michael and Rita Dalinis), of whom she adored and loved immensely.

A visitation will be held on December 12, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Chapel at Elmwood Cemetery, located at 2905 N. Thatcher Road, River Grove, IL, 60171.

Following the visitation, a Greek Orthodox Funeral Service will take place at the same venue from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

The Committal & Interment Service will be conducted at Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2905 N Thatcher Ave, River Grove, IL, 60171, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on the same day.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in loving memory of Stephanie to the The Anti-Cruelty Society at AntiCruelty.org.