Pauline J. Douglas

Pauline J Douglas, age 94, of Oak Brook/Downers Grove, Illinois passed away Thursday July 7 th. She was predeceased by her parents James P. and Smaragda Kondopulos (Douglas), her sister Mary Dimitrakopoulos, her nephew Jamie Dimitrakopoulos and nieces Christine Dimitrakopoulos and Margo Dimitrakopoulos/Matelis. She is survived by her brother Paul J. Douglas, her nephews Ron Dimitrakopoulos Sr. (Kitty), Jim Douglas (Kelly) and , nieces Pam Douglas-Melvin (Johnny), Paula Douglas-Cox, Patti Douglas (Jay Morewood), ten grand nieces and nephews, five great - grand nieces and nephews, and numerous family members and friends throughout the country and the world.

Pauline, also known by many as Thea (Aunt), Nina or Polly, was the eldest child of James P. and Smaragda. Born in Sioux Falls, SD she moved with her family to Chicago, IL in her mid-teens where she graduated from Calumet HS and attended a business college. She started her working career as an all-around assistant in a one woman office, held the position of Executive Secretary and Administrative assistant to the Vice President of Operations and the Controller at Ford Motor Company Aircraft Division, eventually retiring from Dresser Industries Gear Division as Lead Planning Coordinator.

Pauline was extremely proud of her Greek heritage and shared her cultural background with many young people including teaching Sunday school for many years at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn Illinois. Always with a kind word and the offer of help, she started doing volunteer work at an early age (folding and wrapping bandages for the Red Cross during WWII) eventually becoming a key member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church chapter of the Philoptochos Society. Pauline was the chairwoman of Love and Care Committee of her Pholoptochos Chapter for 20 years, visiting Orthodox shut ins and residents of long term care facilities in northern Illinois bringing birthday wishes, flowers, baked goods from the Philoptochos members and reading materials to those without resources, spending time with each patient.

For her involvement and life long commitment to the spirit of the Philoptochos and the Greek Orthodox Church, in July of 2012 she was awarded the Agape Award by Archbishop Demetrios of America and the National Philoptochos Society for her many contributions to their overall philanthropic mission.

Always active, Pauline lived for several years at the Mayslake retirement community in Oak Brook, Illinois where she was active in may groups including participating in plays as various characters a few being Minnie Mouse and her special favorite as that of a “Nerd” in stage productions. She also belonged to the Chorus Singers Group performing and singing for many seasonal and holiday events including the Mayslake Has Talent singing and dancing shows.

Although she never married, Pauline was “Nouna” (Godmother) to several godchildren. She was a loving sister, aunt and cousin to her immediate family and friend to her large extended family. She loved traveling and visited family and friends in many states in the US and in countries around the world with trips to Greece, Israel, Hong Kong and China, including an round-the-world flight on Pan American Airlines.

After a long and adventurous life, Pauline developed Alzheimer’s Disease and was active in the Rush Memory and Aging Project to help understand and find a cure for the disease.

Pauline will be remembered as a dear friend to many and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Funeral Monday 10:30 AM from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 S. Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn, IL. Service 11:00 AM. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Trisagion 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Philoptochos, Oak Lawn Chapter, 10301 S. Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 or Rush Memory and Aging Project, 600 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612 will be appreciated. Info. 708-636-1193 or www.blakelamboaklawn.com.