Frances Avgides

Frances Avgides, age 91, of Belleville, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. She was born on February 8, 1934, (she was actually born on the 7th, but since it was so close to midnight, the doctor said the 8th) to Frank and Mersene Avgides, in the small town of Madison, IL, population 5,000. Most of the residents were immigrants from countries like Poland, Russia, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and a few other countries- a melting pot of nations.

Her father was born in Bouloukisa, Turkey (Asia Minor) of Greek parentage. He immigrated to this country in 1912 at the age of 20. He fled to this country to avoid having to serve in the Turkish army. As a citizen of Turkey, it was required that all men this age serve in the Turkish army. He refused to serve in the army because he felt that as a Turkish soldier, he would have to kill his own people. Years later, he learned that his whole family, mother father, sisters, brother-in-law and nephews were massacred by the Turks.

Her mother was born in Polihnito, Mytilini, Greece. She immigrated to this country in 1923 at the age of 21, accompanied by her sister-in-law tobe, who was betrothed to her brother, Panayoti. Her brothers, Panayoti and Vasili owned a farm in Stalling, IL. Frances’ father was a good friend of her mother’s brother, and it was there that her parents met.

Her parents were married in their home in Madison, IL on December 7, 1924. She and her sister were born in the depression era of the 1930s. Times were tough for everyone, but they somehow managed to survive. Her beloved sister, Diana passed away in 1981 following major heart surgery.

Frances attended schools in Madison and upon graduating from high school, immediately went to work at The First National Bank in Madison. She worked there for 24 years but resigned her position as assistant cashier after having been robbed at gunpoint twice. They say, “the third time is the charm,” but she wasn’t willing to wait for the third time. While working at the bank, she also attended SIU-E night school. She received her BA in business, majoring in accounting. The following year, she was hired by the Commissioner of Banks and Trust Co. as the first woman bank examiner in Illinois. She traveled throughout the state of Illinois examining banks. She retired after 15 years; it was her time to “stop and smell the roses.”

In her leisure time, Frances enjoyed reading, working in her flower garden, spending time with her pet, Westie, and traveling. She traveled throughout the United States covering most states, including Hawaii and Alaska. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe, including Turkey, Jerusalem, New Zealand and Australia. Her favorite reading material and movies were Dr. Zhivago and the Thornbirds.

It was Frances’ mother’s desire in life to travel to the Holy Land. It was on of the most notable trips Frances had ever made. She went to Jerusalem (Old City) during Orthodox Holy Week. She participated in walking the stations of the cross, going down into Lazareth’s tomb, the Old City, The Wailing Wall, the Dead Sea, church of the Holy Sepulcher and putting her feet into the River of Jordan. She also traveled to Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Frances leaves to cherish her memory, nephews, Karl (Kimberly) Delecaris and Frank Delecaris; niece, Maria Delecaris; great niece, Diana Delecaris; great nephew, Nicholas (Angela) Delecaris, great-great nephew Peter and great-great niece Sophia Delecaris.

Frances was baptized by Father Efstathios Gioumbakis at Saints Constantine and Helen when it was located on Gety avenue in East St. Louis, IL. She had been a member of GOYA in her younger days and sang in the church choir for many years. Her hopes and prayers for Saints Constantine and Helen is that the church will continue to grow and thrive.

In lieu of flowers the family would like all donation to go to Frances’ church, Saints Constantine and Helen, in Swansea, IL in Frances’ name.

A visitation for Frances will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 405 Huntwood Rd, Swansea, IL 62226. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 405 Huntwood Rd, Swansea, IL 62226. A committal service will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery, 9401 W Main St, Belleville, IL 62223.