Marie Karas

Marie Teresa Karas [Dennehy], 89, of Palos Park, IL, USA, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 4, 2024.

Marie was born on her family’s ancestral dairy farm in Ballybeg, County Kerry, in southwest Ireland on March 27, 1935, to William and Mary Dennehy. The second of seven children and eldest girl, Marie was a nurturer from the start and cherished her everlasting relationships with her siblings, Tom, Margaret, Hugh, Catherine, Helen and Liam and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

After an idyllic childhood, Marie graduated from Drishane finishing school in Cork, Ireland then went on to study nursing at Whipps Cross Hospital Training School in London, England. She fondly reflected on this time in her life with a twinkle in her eye.

In 1963, armed with her nursing degree, Marie sought better opportunities and bravely took fate into her own hands by emigrating to the US. The only soul she knew was a friend of her father, but she would often proudly profess, “I had four job offers in the first week!” It wasn’t long before she met the love of her life, a handsome Greek doctor, Ilias Karas, at Edgewater Hospital in Chicago. Within two years they were married at St. Gregory Church on June 19, 1965. Marie and Ilias complimented each other nicely, and though they often differed in opinion, they always agreed on what they held most dear – family - and they soon welcomed four children, Katherine, Nicholas, Marilynn and Jennifer.

While her children were young, Marie managed the household, attending her children’s countless events and preparing home cooked meals every night. Mushroom soup, stuffed peppers, and beef Wellington were family favorites, and she didn’t shy away from Greek cooking with her wonderful Avgolemeno soup and Kourabiedes cookies. Once her youngest child was in high school, she returned to work alongside Ilias at his medical practice until their retirement.

Over the course of many decades, Marie and her family returned to Ireland most years for family vacations and events, and when her and Ilias retired in 2003 they spent their golden years continuing to travel the globe. They ultimately visited over 40 countries but were happiest in Acapulco, Mexico, where they owned a home and were surrounded by lifelong friends who they considered family.

Ever dignified, gracious and in good spirits, Marie was adored by all. Though she spent the majority of her life in the US, she never lost her charming Irish brogue, and she frequently remarked with delightful Irish anecdotes… “You wouldn’t call the Queen your aunt” [reflecting on life being perfect as is]… “Where would you be going without a bell on your bike?” [asking for an explanation of the circumstance] … “Always keeping the best side out” [live your life optimistically].

Marie is survived by her siblings, Margaret Flannery (James) of Dublin, Ireland and Hugh Dennehy (the late Ann) of Chicago, IL, her four children: Katherine (Jim) of Sonoma, CA, Nicholas (Judi) of Palos Park, IL, Marilynn (Josh) of Brooklyn, NY and Jennifer (Ryan) of Chicago, IL., her 13 grandchildren, Brandon, William, Jack, Lexi, Louise, Nicholas, Alex, Izzy, Leon, Ava, Gus, Marios and Ilias, and her new great granddaughter and namesake, Amelia Marie. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Ilias, her parents, William & Mary Dennehy, and siblings Catherine Lyons, Helen Moran, Liam Dennehy and Tom Dennehy. May they be dancing and enjoying their peace together in heaven. Slainte!

A memorial mass in her honor will be held at St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at 10am. She will be interred next to her husband at Good Shepherd cemetery in Orland Park.