Phyllis Milonas
June 13, 1957 – November 19, 2024
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 Buffenbarger 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. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Obituary
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.
Nick, I’m so sorry for your loss. My sympathies to you and tie family.
Phyllis can’t believe you are gone you truly were beautiful soul. I can never thank you enough for the love you have showed my family especially my son you gave him his first job as a bus boy and then you believed in him trained him and helped mold him into the man he is now. You will forever hold a special place in my heart and the influence and effect you had on me and my kids will always live on in us.
We were so sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing. We were long time customers of their restaurant on Portage Road. Phyllis was always there to greet you with a hug and a smile. We send our condolences to her husband, George and their children, and to her sisters Stacy and Tess. We feel like we lost a family member, too. Phyllis will surely be missed. Steve, Cindy and Kyle Wiborn
To my dear Phyllis, It is with great sadness that you are gone from us and that I am writing this to you. So many memories with you over the years as you tirelessly volunteered for our children, our schools, our community, provided wonderful meals as you greeted each and every patron at Theo & Stacey Restaurants . . . the list goes on and on. I will miss your beautiful smile and voice and warm hugs. My heart is broken for your family as I know how much you loved each and every one of them. Rest in peace knowing that your love has given them enormous strength and that you will be a never-ending presence in their hearts and souls. Much love, my friend. Gina Woods
George and family: The passing of Phyllis saddens me and I did say a special prayer for her soul and the comfort of all who love and miss her. My Aunt Helen was especially fond of her and her passing will leave a big hole in the heart of the Greek community in Kalamazoo. Her memory will be eternal. If not 1,200 miles away I would surely attend her services. I’m sending an ‘air hug’ to the family.
George and family: The passing of Phyllis saddens me and I did say a special prayer for her soul and the comfort of all who love and miss her. My Aunt Helen was especially fond of her and her passing will leave a big hole in the heart of the Greek community in Kalamazoo. Her memory will be eternal. If not 1,200 miles away I would surely attend her services. I’m sending an ‘air hug’ to the family.
George and family: The passing of Phyllis saddens me and I did say a special prayer for her soul and the comfort of all who love and miss her. My Aunt Helen was especially fond of her and her passing will leave a big hole in the heart of the Greek community in Kalamazoo. Her memory will be eternal. If not 1,200 miles away I would surely attend her services. I’m sending an ‘air hug’ to the family.
Phyllis was a beautiful soul! The whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I will never forget you, beautiful lady and never forget the things that you had done for me and all the years I have known you and work for you. You have been like family to me and my family. You were there for me when I needed you you gave people jobs that I knew, you are so grateful. I just can’t believe this has happened. I am so devastated it’s just so heartbreaking my deepest condolences to George, Nick, Peter, and their wife and kids and to your sisters and brother I am deeply deeply sorry I loved her so much and I loved the whole family rest in peace, my dear🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 to this wonderful angel
Dear Milonas, Kokkinos, Skartsiaris and other families, I am very sorry for your loss! Theo & Stacy’s restaurants were a big part of my childhood memories and Phyllis was always so sweet.
My deepest condolences on the loss of a bright light to all who knew her. I met her through my volunteer work at West Michigan Cancer Center. She was always warm, charming, funny and oh, so lovely. Thanks to the family for requesting memorials be directed to WMCC. May God bless you all and keep you close today, and all the days that follow.
What a sweet spirit she had. Eternal peace for Phyllis and sweet memories for her family. Her legacy of love will live on.
Oh sweet Phyllis, my heart is breaking for you and your family. I met you while working and the first day I met you, you lit up the room and it sounds like you made connections anywhere you went. You had invited me to Greece with you and see your beautiful home, while I stayed back and waited for you to return and tell me how everything went. You made such an impact on me and everyone you surrounded yourself with. I will forever cherish your love & radiance 🩵 sending my condolences to everyone around you 🩵
Dear Milonas family, We were saddened to hear Phyllis has passed away. Phyllis gave of herself in everything she took on. She was truly a lovely lady with a big heart. Our sincere condolences to her entire family at this sad time. Fondly, The Panse’s (Dean, Mary & Brian)
The Schoolmaster family would like to extend our sincere condolences to your entire family. Phyllis was an absolute gem. Her presence added so much beauty, grace and warmth to the world around her. From preschool volunteerism to the restaurants, she spread her special brand of caring. Bob and Sara Schoolmaster and Family
Our Sympathy goes out to George Peter Nick Tessie Elliot Stacy and the Entire Family. We were very saddened to hear of Phyllis’ passing. We have known the family for as long as I can remember. My mother sister and I all worked for them at one time or another. Your Infectious Smile will be Greatly Missed. Rest In Peace Phyllis 🙏🙏 Beverly Carla Kendel Cheatham Lisa Randy Ferguson
Sweet Phyllis you will be so missed. Andy and I were just talking about you and our times spent chatting with you at the restaurant. Each week we’d see your smile and share some conversation and laughs. Your love and kindness will be remembered by many. My love to you and your family.
So sad to just hear this. I worked for the family many years ago. Phyllis always had a smile and was a very classy lady. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Dear George and Family – Joanne and I were saddened to read of your loss. So many times we were greeted by you and Phyllis at your restaurant. She would stop at the table in ask if I enjoyed the Greek cooking! We have missed you both and the charming restaurant you ran for so long. Phyllis was always so friendly and cheerful. May your memories sustain you in the times ahead. Bill and Joanne Musselman
A bright light has left our world. I was so saddened to hear that Phyllis had passed. She was a person whose smile made any person she met feel special & welcomed. I met her when I taught at North Middle School in Portage, though I never taught any of her children. When I moved up to teach at PNHS in 2000, I was so impressed that she provided the Forensic Team with snacks & juice, among other things. She always helped people! Our NMS Retiree group always met at the Theo & Stacy’s restaurant on Portage Road each September; Phyllis & her staff took wonderful care of us & she always thanked us educators for the great education her children had received. She was inspirational & kind. I wish I’d have been able to attend her services tomorrow, as I’d love to have been there to honor her. All of you will be in my thoughts tomorrow and in the weeks & months ahead. My deepest sympathies to all of you.