Kaliopy Drelles

Although Kaliopy Drelles valued many things throughout her life, none were more important than creating close relationships with the family she treasured so deeply. Love and care of her family was her driving force, and the adoration of her six grandchildren was her most cherished joy. Kaliopy was a woman of great strength who worked hard all her life, but yet was always able to enjoy the simple beauties along the way. She was truly a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth. The year was 1924 and Calvin Coolidge had assumed the presidency after the death of President Harding. Prohibition laws were creating legends out of gangsters and bootleggers and J. Edgar Hoover became the head of the FBI. The Charleston dance craze set the tempo for what would become known as the Roaring Twenties. On August 21st, in Ludington, Michigan, little Kaliopy arrived in the world, much to the delight of her parents, George and Mary (Jonas) Kepros. Kaliopy was the third of six children: James, Olympia Bea, Kaliopy, Katherine, Christina and Jenny. She enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, though as one of the oldest, she had to help her mom take care of her younger sisters. Her family moved from Ludington to Muskegon when Kaliopy was 11. Here, her father owned and operated a restaurant business, while her mother ran their busy household. Kaliopys family was proud of their Greek heritage and raised the children with an awareness and appreciation for their history. They were members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and took an active role in the Greek community in Muskegon. Kaliopy received her education in the Muskegon area schools. After high school, she went to work at Continental Motors during World War II, and also waited tables at her fathers restaurant and Drelles Sandwich Shop. It was about this time that Kaliopy caught the eye of Constantine Gus Drelles, who was a solider who had just returned home from the war. Although Gus and Kaliopy already knew each other from church, he saw her in a whole new light when he got home for she had grown into a beautiful young woman. The two went on their first date on New Years Eve and with that, their love story had begun. Kaliopy and Gus were engaged by Valentines Day and exchanged wedding vows three months later on June 1, 1947. After saying I do, the newlyweds settled into married life together in the Roodmont neighborhood of Muskegon. It wasnt long before Kaliopy and Gus filled their hearts and home with the joy and activity of four beautiful children: George (1948), Nicholas (1950), Pamela (1953) and Rebecca (1959). For Kaliopy, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. While Gus worked in his familys restaurant business, Kaliopy devoted herself to the role of a mother and exemplified all the things a mother should be patient, caring and generous with her time. She always took a very active role in every phase of her childrens lives. Kaliopy took great pride in her home and keeping the children clean and well mannered. She had quite a decorating flair and their home reflected this with freshly painted and wallpapered rooms. The Drelles home was also the traditional gathering place for family celebrations and holiday dinners over the years. They created many wonderful memories in this house with their family and friends for over 50 years. Kaliopy was such a special part of everyones lives though, and many in the family had little nicknames they called her by, like Kali, Popy and Bo. Whichever it was, it was always said with love! Once her kids were all in school, Kaliopy decided to go back to work and took a job at Potters Lamps. This job brought her great joy and she was a happy, dedicated employee there for 35 years. Whenever out about town, Kaliopy would often point out to her family the houses she helped decorated over the years. It wasnt all work and no play though for Kaliopy and Gus. They liked to travel whenever possible and had taken trips to Greece and California. Although this was exciting, Kaliopy was just as content to be relaxing at home, reading or working on one of her many projects. Being a perfectionist like she was, there wasnt a project that Kaliopy didnt finish. She also took time to stop and appreciate the beauty around her too by taking rides to the beach and enjoying the tranquility of being by the water. She also found beauty and relaxation in music. It was evident that Kaliopy loved her family dearly, and she and Gus enjoyed 61 great years of marriage. Their relationship was beautiful to watch, because although they were quite opposite, they complimented each other so well Gus simply adored Kaliopy. She always considered her children to be a gift, but when blessed with six precious grandchildren, her heart overflowed with joy. Like her own children, Kaliopy was there to support her grandkids in all their endeavors, from sports events to school activities her passion was to support them. Simply spending time with them brought her life immeasurable joy! Although Kaliopys life was happy, it was also marked by great sorrow when she lost her oldest son George in 2005 and then her beloved husband Gus in 2009. During this difficult time, Kaliopy found great comfort in being surrounded by her children and grandchildren, which gave her the strength to go on. In time, Kaliopy moved to an assisted living facility in Traverse City, which was near her daughter Rebecca and her grandchildren there. She wasted no time in getting closer to her grandkids and sharing precious moments together. Eventually, time took its toll on Kaliopys body and her health began to decline. She passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2011, at the age of 87. Those who knew and loved Kaliopy have so many precious memories that will never be forgotten. Kaliopy is survived by her children: Nicholas (Linda Willing) Drelles, Pamela Halmich, Rebecca (Robert) Sanford; grandchildren, Eric G. Hanson, Adam (Jessica) Drelles, Adrian (Angel) Drelles, Jacob Halmich, Kali Sanford, & Nicole Sanford; sisters, Katherine Jerelos, Christina Koremenos; many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gus; son, George J. Drelles, & son-in-law, Robert Halmich; brother, James; sisters, Jenny & Olympia. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Fr. Catalin Mot officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, October 14, from 7-8:30 p.m. with a Trisagion Service at 8:30 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Michigan. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.