Phyllis Milonas Obituary
The family will greet friends at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm., with a Trisagion prayer service beginning at 7:30 pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 507 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007, beginning at 11:00 AM with Fr. Bryce Buffenbager officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in her name to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or the West Michigan Cancer Center, c/o the funeral home.
Phyllis Milonas, age 67, of Portage, died on November 19, 2024. She was born on June 13, 1957, in Pyrgos, Messinia, Greece, the daughter of Peter and Gianoula Kouvatsos (Boukeas). Phyllis immigrated to Queens, New York with her family when she was in grade school. The youngest of five siblings, she remained a constant source of energy and happiness for her family, even into adulthood. After completing her schooling in New York, she began a career with Eastern Airlines. While in Queens she met the love of her life, George, and they were married in 1981.
Phyllis and George moved to Kalamazoo in 1983, and with her siblings, Stacy and Theodore, opened the second of three Theo & Stacy's Restaurants. They were joined by her siblings, Tessie and Elliot, in 1984. The restaurants became a household name; Phyllis and her sisters became pillars in the community. They built a legacy, donating their time and resources, making sure all were greeted with a warm smile, welcoming ear, and comforting food. Phyllis enjoyed staying active, taking morning walks with her sisters, and volunteering with her church and in the community.
A devoted mother, she always kept the trains running on time with schooling and countless extracurricular activities. In retirement, she enjoyed her second prime years as a loving and doting grandmother, taking pride in teaching her grandchildren traditional Greek recipes, completing crafts, and enjoying the arts. Her smile, kindness, and love will be missed by all. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, George Milonas; children: Nickolas Milonas and Katherine Nakazono, and Peter Milonas and Teri Milonas (Daly); grandchildren: Madeleine, Charlotte, Joseph, and Andreas Milonas; siblings: Magda Liakeas (Kouvatsos), Stacy Skartsiaris (Kouvatsos), Alex and Tana Kouvatsos (Spanos), and Elliott & Tessie Kokkinos (Kouvatsos); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Panagiotis Liakeas and Theodore Skartsiaris. She was deeply loved by many and will be profoundly missed.
