Funeral for Geo-Karis to be held at park that bears her name
While not by design, it's fitting the wake and funeral for former state Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis will be at the park bearing her name.
Organizers had wanted to hold the services in Zion-Benton Township High School's gymnasium in anticipation of large crowds. But the facility was booked with sports activities for the weekend, said Louis Atsaves, an attorney who was Geo-Karis' campaign manager.
On a whim, a call was placed to Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center, at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park near Zion. Atsaves said it turned out ballrooms were available for Friday's wake and Saturday's funeral.
"I think it's something she'd be tickled pink by -- that the funeral would be performed at the state park named after her," Atsaves said Tuesday.
Geo-Karis, 89, died Sunday. She crossed many boundaries, from longtime state legislator to Zion mayor to nationally known leader of the Daughters of Penelope Greek-American philanthropic organization.
More than 2,000 visitors are expected for Geo-Karis' wake from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday in the resort's Illinois Ballroom. The funeral is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Grand Vista Ballroom overlooking Lake Michigan.
Acknowledging her rank of lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserves, a Navy honor guard will be present for Geo-Karis' funeral. Atsaves said it always was a treat to accompany Geo-Karis to Great Lakes Naval Training Station.
"I was always struck by the fact this little old lady was being saluted by everybody," Atsaves said.
In the Greek Orthodox religion, only clergy deliver eulogies at funerals. Atsaves said that's why a luncheon will be hosted at the resort immediately after the funeral, allowing visitors a chance to speak about Geo-Karis.
Atsaves said he's heard from many state and local politicians who plan to attend the wake and funeral. He said his wireless telephone lost power three times Monday because of the volume of calls he received after Geo-Karis' death became known.
Lake County, Zion and Beach Park police have been apprised of the arrangements for Geo-Karis because of the expected crowds, organizers said. Lake Villa Township Supervisor Daniel Venturi has even arranged for a bus sponsored by the township to provide shuttle service from remote parking lots for the wake and funeral.
Venturi said Geo-Karis will be missed for reasons that have nothing to do with politics.
"She remembered people and she cared about them," Venturi said. "She was a unique individual and won't be easily replaced."
Arrangements for Adeline Geo-Karis
• Wake is 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis State Park near Zion. Go to Illinois Ballroom.
• Final visitation 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at facility's Grand Vista Ballroom overlooking Lake Michigan, followed by a Greek Orthodox funeral service at 10:30 a.m.
• Luncheon at the resort follows the funeral. An opportunity will be provided for visitors who want to speak about Geo-Karis.
• After the luncheon, burial in family plot at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie.
• Most visitors to the state resort for the wake and funeral will want to reach Route 41 and go north to Wadsworth Road. Go roughly eight miles east on Wadsworth Road until it ends at facility.