Jennie Kratsas

Her husband, Constantine "Gus" Kratsas, passed away in 1995.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 17, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Artemis (Manta) Krokos.

Jennie had lived in Chicago, Illinois, for 12 years, where she went to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek American School.

While she worked in Cleveland, Ohio, she was admired by her future husband from the opposite side of the bus stop. Gus's best friend, Billy Pyros, finally instilled the courage in Gus to introduce himself to Jennie. After a short courtship, the two were married in 1947.

In 1968, Mr. and Mrs. Constantine Kratsas decided to make a career change by moving to Reading, working hard side by side, and opened their first Mc-Donald's franchise in Mt. Penn.

The family continued to open several other locations in Reading, as well as other locations including Pottsville, Frackville, and one location briefly owned in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. The family legacy continues and has established three other locations.

Jennie was a member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church where she was on the Philoptochos Society for many years and was a member of the choir. She enjoyed baking for the Greek Bazaar.

Jennie loved music, enjoyed the opera, arts, plays, musicals, and loved to play the piano. She had a beautiful singing voice.

She was also an avid sports fan who bowled and played baseball. Jennie also had a flare for style and enjoyed gardening.

Jennie was always giving of herself and she had a strong sense of humor and lit up the room when she would enter. She was a great woman who brought laughter to everyone around her and made all feel accepted, happy, welcomed and loved.

Jennie was a strong, organized, and determined woman who had a great zest for her life and love for her family and friends.

Even up until the end of her life, Jennie was, as she had always said, "strong like a bull."

Jennie is survived by her two daughters, Karen M., wife of Mike Conzaman of Cumru Township, and Diane, wife of George N. Skyllas of Mohnton. There are five grandchildren: Dean, husband of Lauren Conzaman, Nichole Conza-man, Leah Conzaman, Jennine Skyllas, and Grant, husband of Catherine Skyllas.

Four great-grandchildren also survive her: Jordan, Sebastian, Alexander, and Zachary.

Jennie was predeceased by her siblings Clara Theodrakis and Leo Krokos.

Services will be Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 11 a.m. in Sts. Constantine & Helen GOC, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Burial to follow in Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association , P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, Illinois 60693; Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, 3925 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104; or Sts. Constantine & Helen GOC at the above address.

Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, Reading is in charge of arrangements. www.theocauman.com