Charlotte Jean Kiriakos

Charlotte Jean (Addison) Kiriakos passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024 in Loveland, CO. She was 86. Charlotte was born June 15, 1937 in Cobden, Illinois to her loving parents Opal and Harry (Pony) Addison. Charlotte grew up in Carbondale, Il, where she met the love of her life – Robert L. (Bob) Kiriakos. They married in 1955 and had four children over the next five years. What a busy time that was in the Kiriakos household!

Charlotte was an avid reader and puzzler and was rarely seen without a book in her hands. She loved education and libraries and worked in various schools throughout much of her adult life. She and Bob were dedicated fans and boosters of Southern Illinois University athletics and were recognized for their outstanding support. Charlotte loved to travel. She loved music, going to the theatre, singing and playing the piano, especially with her grandchildren. She was passionate about swimming and was known to swim a ‘morning mile’ from the dock behind her house on the lake.

More than anything, Charlotte loved her family, which includes 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Gma, as she was known to the little ones, had a special way of connecting with them, always ready to play, read a book or just listen. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that would light up the room.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents and by Robert, her husband of 59 years. She is survived by her children, Scott (Cindy) of Denver, CO; Ken (Rita) of Loveland, CO; Susan Lewis (Don) of Whitefish, MT and George (Cathy) of Chesterfield, MO. Also her beloved sister, Kathy Rayburn (Harry) of Florissant, MO.

Charlotte’s ten grandchildren are Michael Kiriakos (Amy Bleibel); Rachel Bellinger (Teddy); Alan Kiriakos (Emily); Kyle Kiriakos (Cathy); Jason Kiriakos (Natalie); Emily Lewis, Drew Lewis; Nicholas Kiriakos (Ella); Will Kiriakos (Katie) and Kara Kiriakos. Her fifteen great grandchildren include Ellie and Scarlett Kiriakos, Hudson Bellinger, Korina and Lillian Kiriakos, Delia Kiriakos, Dylan and Gabriel Gutierrez, Emerson Kiriakos, David, Elisheva and Rachel Kiriakos, and Alexis, Addison and Robert Kiriakos.

A private family gathering will occur at a later date to celebrate Charlotte’s exceptional life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the SIU Athletics Department in Carbondale, IL (salukifunder.siu.edu/g/athletics) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).