Costula "Tula" Demetrulias

Tula, (as she was lovingly known), was born September 5, 1932, in Madena, Greece. She was one of six children. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Efstathios and Irini (Fotopoulos) Tryfonas, along with her sisters Dimitra, Angeliki (Kiki), and Evgenia (Nia). She is survived by her beloved younger sisters, Vaso Tsitmis and Soula Anagnou of Athens, Greece, along with their families which include her brother-in-law Kostas, nephews Stathis and Tassos, and nieces Maria, Nelly, Irini and Evie. Tula treasured her weekly conversations with her beautiful sisters.

Tula married her dearest Nick (Nico) Demetrulias, in Windsor Ontario, in 1951, shortly after her arrival from Greece. Her precious husband, Nick passed in September, 2004. Together they shared a wonderful marriage for 53 beautiful years. They are survived by five adoring children: Gregory (Diane), Georgia (Thurman), Steve (Joann), Renna (Wayne), and Harry (Connie).

Tula and Nick were very proud Greek-Americans who were deeply devoted to their family and faith. They dedicated their lives to raising their children and serving their Church community. Later in life Tula helped to lovingly nurture her 10 grandchildren: Rachel (Tim), Nic (Brittany), Dorian, Daverill, Christina (Brian), Angie, Rebekah (Tyler), Elizabeth, Aaron (Emily), Jessica. “Yia-Yia Tula” intensely loved and doted on her 14 precious great-grandchildren: Tobi, Ezekiel, Eden Joy & Ayla; Elijah, Anna & Asher; Kaylie & Audrey; and Norah & Karli and Jayce & Levi and Dagne Joy.

Tula, along with her husband, were lifelong active members of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. She enjoyed her work with the Greek Orthodox Church and community, serving in any and every capacity, from baking the “Prosforo” bread for Holy Communion, to making the “Koliva” for Memorial Services, designing and skillfully tailoring royal altar service garments for the Church. She also served in the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society serving the needs of the poor and needy. She absolutely dedicated herself for any and all Church occasions, always lending a helping hand, as she was especially known for her outstanding baked goods offered at the annual Greek Festivals.

A passionate, multi-talented, fiercely loving, independent, godly woman, Tula was ahead of her time. Humble in heart, she was strong, determined and extravagant in generosity. She taught herself English so that she could pass the necessary classes to proudly earn her U.S. Citizenship. And at the same time teaching her children the Greek language and traditions. She was also an accomplished designer clothing seamstress, a skill she learned while a young girl in Greece. She worked at a garment factory in the renowned St. Louis Garment District on Washington Avenue to help her family financially.

It was not uncommon to hear Tula say to visitors in her home, "I can make that jacket fit perfectly on you, do you have a few minutes?" She ran her own business called "The Perfect Fit by Tula". As we can all attest to, it was aptly named. She made us all look fabulous, for every wedding, prom, any occasion, her re-mastered finely tailored outfits always “fit like a glove”.

Also well-known for her exquisite Greek pastry baking, throughout her life she was continually refining her recipes. When Tula was not joyfully feeding her large extensive family and all their friends, (no one ever left Mama Tula's "kusina" empty-handed or on an empty stomach), she would often be heard with this memorable favorite: "Here, eat, have seconds, the price is the same", as we would all happily chuckle and gladly take seconds. She loved baking and serving her Greek delicacies to visitors. Guaranteed service with a smile. As evidenced by all who knew her, she truly loved all the people in her life as she tirelessly and unyieldingly served others. As accomplished as she was in her own business and family, her real love was centered around blessing and helping other people. She visited the sick with fresh food, prayed and listened to the lonely who needed a friend, visited those house-bound or hospitalized, never expecting anything in return. Tula was a humble servant, a true selfless "giver".

Tula’s ultimate joy in life was serving her family first, always considering others before herself. She possessed a great sense of compassion and humor in life.

Above all she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; her personal Bible attests to her daily reading, praying, worshiping and looking forward to being reunited with her beloved parents, sisters, and cherished husband, Nick and hearing those precious words of the Savior: “Well done good and faithful servant.”

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Staff at Stillwater Senior Living in Edwardsville, IL and Family Hospice of Belleville, IL for their excellence of tender, loving “comfort care” for our beloved Tula in her final chapter.

Tula will be peacefully laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. Due to COVID-19 cautions and considerations, there will be a Private Service held for the family. The family appreciates your understanding.

In lieu of flowers, our Momma Tula has requested that Memorial Gifts be made to her beloved church:

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

405 Huntwood Road

Swansea, Illinois 62226