Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos departed this life on Thursday, March 30. Born in Colfax, WA on 23 Dec. 1923 to Greek immigrant parents Christos and Helen Dochios, Mary, the 3rd of 4 daughters, was raised on a farm in North Idaho. Wanting to become a doctor since childhood, she attended the Univ. of Idaho, graduated Phi Beta Kappa and went on to Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia at a time when few women were accepted. She earned her MD, eventually specializing in pediatrics in the Chicago area. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Mary worked for 35 years with the Cook Co. Juvenile Detention Center, where she was instrumental in improving the quality of care and conditions of those that were housed there. She was invited by Mayor Ed Koch to come to NY to replicate her program, which eventually became the blue print across the U.S. Illinois Governor Ryan praised her many achievements by proclaiming 3 Nov. 2001 as Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos Day. Dr. Mary married Gus Kamberos in July of 1961 and made her home in Beverly. She retired from her practice of 50 years in 1999 and then traveled the world with her sisters. A long-time philanthropist, Dr. Mary shared her time and treasure in many worthy causes such as the Greek American Rehab & Nursing Center, the National Hellenic Museum, and in 1991 she was awarded the prestigious Medal of St. Paul from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese NY for her many philanthropic achievements. Dr. Mary was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn for many years. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gus, sisters Vasilia Lemonidis and Catherine Vlachos and nephews Paul Lemonidis and Andrew Vlachos. Though never having children of her own Dr. Mary is survived by many heart-broken friends and relatives including her sister Marina (Charles) Plastino of Rathdrum, Idaho, nephews, Dr. Nick Vlachos of Atlanta, Dr. Chris (Patty) Vlachos of Chicago and Philip (Theresa) Cooney of Sparks, Nevada, nieces Elene (Robert) Schumacher and Jeane (Steve) Wood both of Rathdrum, Idaho and Elaine (Steve) Lewis of Anchorage, Alaska, in addition to their children and numerous Godchildren to whom she was devoted. Visitation Tuesday 4:00 - 9:00 P.M. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, Trisagion 7:00 P.M. Visitation Wednesday 9:00 A.M. until time of service 10:30 A.M. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 S. Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the church she loved - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Info 708-636-1193 or www.blakelamboaklawn.com
Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Apr. 3 to Apr. 4, 2017