Elaine Poulos Atalis' Obituary
On October 17th we said goodbye to our cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, Godmother and friend, Elaine Poulos Atalis. Her faith in Christ and the love of family and friends helped her battle the challenges she faced during her courageous seven-year fight against ovarian cancer. She was a role-model for all of us, embodying her anchor verse from Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”Born May 8, 1963, in Lansing, MI, to The Rev. John C. and Alexandra Poulos, Elaine grew up in Lansing, attending Eastern High School and Michigan State University, where she earned a degree in journalism. She moved to Dallas, TX, for an internship at a magazine sponsored by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce . On May 23, 1987, Elaine married the love of her life, Andy Atalis, and celebrated 30 years of marriage this year. Early in their marriage, Elaine worked for several years for the Plano Star Courier, making her way up from the police beat, to Lifestyles editor, to copy desk chief. When Andy and Elaine started their family, Elaine became a stay-at-home mom to the pride and joy of her life, her children Alexandra, Sam and John. She immersed herself in many volunteer jobs within the kids’ schools, writing newsletters, serving on PTA and choir boards, being a Cub Scout den mother. As a devoted parishioner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church during all the years she lived in Dallas, Elaine gave of her time in many ways. She tirelessly served the St. Barbara’s Philoptochos Society board with steadfast commitment for many years, and was an admired and talented president of the organization for four years. Philoptochos was always very dear to Elaine’s heart for its philanthropic works within the church, community and nationwide. Without a doubt, it reflected her own heart and the lives she touched through her faith, compassion, intellect, kindness, strength and humor.Elaine is preceded in death by her beloved father, Rev. John Poulos. She is survived by her dear husband, Andy and her wonderful children, Alexandra, Sam and John; her mother, Alexandra Poulos of Plano; sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Joe Kerbow and nephews Bennett and Gregory of Benbrook; Step nephew and wife Justin and Christa and children Cory and Cecily, of Lansing, MI; brother and sister-in-law, Constantine and Myranda Poulos of Waco; mother-in-law, Anthe Atalis of Wichita Falls; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janette and Tom Holley of Wichita Falls; niece and nephew-in-law Anthea and Michael Danby and great niece Vivienne of Dallas; and nephew Thomas Holley of Wichita Falls; aunt Bettina Pontikes of Allen; aunt Vasiliki Poulos of Greece; many cousins and Godchildren, and an immeasurable number of Koumbari and friends who cherished her friendship, trust, solidarity, and love.We thank our clergy for honoring Elaine: Rev. Peter Kostakis, Rev. Jordan Brown, Rev. Dn. Mark Pakes, and our chanter Presvytera Marika Brown.We also thank our pallbearers who loved and honor our beautiful wife, mother, daughter and sister: Chris Pontikes, Scott Pontikes, Michael Geroulis, John Geroulis, Stephen Konstans, John Pappadas, Harry Tomasides, and Mike Spahis.Services will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The Trisagion prayer service will be on Friday, October 20th at 7pm and funeral services will be on Saturday, October 21st at 1pm.We pray her blessed memory eternal.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Barbara’s Philoptochos Society and/or Holy Trinity Academy, both at 13555 Hillcrest Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75240.
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