Thalia passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, just shy of her 90 th birthday. Born on March 15, 1932, to Nicholas and Marika Checoura, she was raised in the Bronx, New York. Upon graduation from Christopher Columbus High School, Chickie (as she was affectionately known) was employed at Prentice Hall Publishing in New York City.

Some of Thalia’s favorite childhood memories were her summer visits to Philadelphia, the very beginning of a relationship with her cousins that would last a lifetime. Cousins, who became more like siblings. Through decades of celebrations, dinners, and dancing, they’ve had the special gift of experiencing all the life that happens through generations, together.

A young romance began after meeting the love of her life, James Demopoulos, at a family christening in Philadelphia. Jim and Thalia were married on December 3, 1950, and settled in the Philadelphia area, where they had three children, Maria, Dean, and Diane. The family were members of the St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church where Jim was committed and acted as Secretary of the Board until his early death in 1960. It was a great love story, one whose magic remained eternal.

Thalia dedicated herself to raising her three young children. Throughout their childhood, whatever job she had, Thalia made sure she was home each day when they returned from school. She never missed an activity or sporting event. This joy and commitment to her children’s passions continued throughout their lives. Thalia retired from her employment with The Vanguard Group in 2001. Her desk was known to be the home of treasured family photos and her grandchildren’s “artwork”.

Thalia empowered her children to pursue their dreams. She always told them that whatever they chose to pursue in this life, to make sure they gave it their best. She was a firm believer in education. Thalia had the opportunity over the years to see all of her children bring these lessons with them as she proudly witnessed each of their personal and professional accomplishments. She was equally proud of her grandchildren, Alexandra and James. She spent joyous years involved in their daily lives, exposing them to culture and cheering them on in every pursuit. Her presence was influential in shaping their young minds and created memories that they cherish to this day.

Her smile never aged. Neither did her child-like wonder. Her genuine passion and curiosity for life and her enthusiasm for new experiences were contagious. A rare sparkle. Thal had moxie. Her sharp wit and enduring honesty remain a timeless part of her signature. And her love of laughter. Thalia took care of us. Though strong and resilient, Thalia’s unbending generosity and full heart are how she showed up for friends and family. She showed us this every day, in countless ways… most famously in her world-class cooking, where you could taste her love and care in every bite.

She was the consummate Mother and Yia Yia until the end. Thalia was, and always will be, young at heart. This is the spirit she has left those who love her. The spirit she will bring with her as she is reunited with her beloved late husband Jim.

A special kind of spirit that will be forever missed, but never forgotten. A rare gift she has given us all.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation with her family on Tuesday, January 25th at 10:00 AM at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, Broomall, PA, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 AM. Internment at Fernwood Cemetery, Landsdowne, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her memory to be made to St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church. https://www.st-luke.org/