Yiayia and Papou Economos

Costas and Kalliope Economos are Cassandra’s paternal grandparents.  Kalliope was born in 1917.  The year of Costas’ birth is never mentioned.  The couple came to Sterling from Peoria during World War II to work in the area factories.  They own Costas’ Place, a restaurant Costas founded in 1947, that started as a food stand before getting a permanent location.  Costas dies in 1998 after being hit by a drunk driver.

They are the parents of Demetrios, Khristos, Nectarias, Evangelos and Eleni.

They are the grandparents of Minerva, Chris, Petra, Greg, Narcissa, Persephone, Vanessa, Phil, Cassandra, Maroula, Anastasia,  Alexander,  Kostas, and Tom.

They are the great-grandparents of Allegra, Noah, Homer, Nestor, Parker, Zoe, Elena, Darius, Kendra, Megan, Grace, Lucas, Atlas, Joshua, Ethan, Damian, Sophia, Zoey, Liliana, Matthew, Liam, Declan, Violet, Jasper and three others.

Yiayia and Papou Petrakis

Spiros and Olympia Petrakis are Cassandra‘s maternal grandparents. The Petrakis family is originally from St. Louis.  Spiros was born in 1922.  A heavy smoker, he is diagnosed with lung cancer in the early 1990s and lived longer than expected.  He died in January 1996.  Olympia’s birth year is never mentioned.  She is diagnosed with MS in the early 1990s and eventually is confined mostly to a wheelchair.  She died in June 1997.

They are the parents of Daria, Ilena, Yannis and Nani.  Daria and Ilena took turns as caretakers.

They are the grandparents of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Persephone, Phil, Maroula, Georgio, Takis, Orion, Stephanos and Basil.

They are the great-grandparents of Allegra, Noah, Homer, Nestor, Parker, Elena, Darius, Kendra, Megan, Grace, Lucas, Atlas, Joshua, Ethan, Damian, Sophia, Matthew, and others.

Demitrios Economos

Demetrios Economos is the father of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Muriel, Eric, Bradley, Jacqueline and Destiny.  Born in 1940 in Sterling, IL, he is one of a few members of the family who don’t work at Costas’ Place.  Instead, he is employed by Huntington & Walter, a local company that makes shelves and cabinetry. He does sales and is away from home much of the year, traveling to conduct inspections of installations.

In 2018, ancestry DNA technology outed his deep secret, that he had been unfaithful to his wife for decades and fathered multiple children.  After being confronted by the children and his wife, he moves to a retirement community in Moline and cuts off ties with the family. Divorce proceedings begin in 2019.

He is the brother of Khristos, Nectarias, Evangelos and Eleni.

He is the grandfather of Allegra, Noah, Homer, Nestor, Parker, Kendra, Megan, Joshua, Sophia, Matthew, Zoey, Liliana, Liam, Declan, Violet, Jasper and three others, and the great-grandfather of Evan.

Daria Economos

Daria Economos is the mother of Chris, Greg, Vanessa and Cassandra.  Born in 1946 in Sterling, IL, as Daria Petrakis, she was a clerk in the office of a car dealership before she married in the late 1960s.  She traded off with her sister, Ilena, doing caregiver duties for their ailing parents who passed away in 1996 and 1997.  Her mind often goes negative.

She is the sister of Ilena, Yannis and Nani.

She is the grandmother of Allegra, Noah, Homer, Nestor, Parker, Kendra, Megan, Joshua, Korina, Sophia and Matthew, and the great-grandmother of Evan.

After discovering her husband‘s infidelity in 2019, which she suspected for years, she throws him out and divorces him.  Later that year, she meets Vernon Frisch who courts her.

Chris Economos

Christopher “Chris” Economos is the oldest brother of Cassandra, and is the oldest child of Daria and Demetrios Economos.  Born in 1969 in Sterling, IL, he graduates from the University of Illinois with a degree in restaurant management.  When Papou dies in 1998, Chris inherits Costas’ Place.  He marries Penelope Papachristodoulopoulos in 1992.  They are the parents of Allegra, Homer and Nestor, and the grandparents of Evan.

Chris has a slightly dirty sense of humor and still gets excited at Christmas like a little kid. Always the family’s peacemaker, Chris’ role is put to the test in 2018 when he discovers Dad cheated on Mom repeatedly and there are four half siblings. He tries to mediate a meeting that ends in disaster, and is plagued for months with concern that adulterous behavior could be genetic.

Chris learns about baseball so he can have conversations with half brother, Eric, with whom he is close.

Greg Economos

Gregory “Greg” Economos is the older brother of Cassandra.  In the family, he also is referred to as “the asshole.”  Born in 1972 in Sterling, IL, he is the son of Daria and Demetrios.  He is their second child.  Greg is very traditional and believes he is better than people, especially his sisters Vanessa and Cassandra.  He graduated in 1994 with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois, and in 1996 with a masters in chemical engineering.  He works  for a paint company, Madison Paints, and becomes head of the chemical engineering department in 2015.

Greg meets Katrina Francopoulos while studying for his masters.  The pair drifted apart, reconnecting in 2004 and marrying in April 2006.  They have a daughter, Korina, in 2008.

In 2020, Greg spends three weeks in the hospital with COVID-19.

Vanessa Economos O'Leary

Vanessa Economos is Cassandra‘s older sister.  Born August 17, 1976, in Sterling, IL, Vanessa is Daria and Demetrios‘ third child.  In high school. she’s a huge fan of ER, especially actor Noah Wiley, and her favorite singer is Sinéad O’Connor.  Her best friend is Stacie, but she also is close to Rhonda.

In 1993, Vanessa meets and falls in love with Brandon O’Leary.  Although her parents disapprove, she refuses to end the relationship.

Vanessa attends Sauk Valley Community College where she achieves an associates degree in liberal studies.

In 1996, a pregnant Vanessa marries Brandon.  They are parents of Noah, Parker and Kendra.

Brandon gets a job in Minneapolis, and the family moves in 2004.   The family struggles fiancially for a time, but then Vanessa starts working from home.  First as a customer service agent for an insurance company then in medical billing and coding.

Penny Economos

Penny Economos is Cassandra‘s sister-in-law.

Born in 1969 in Rockford, IL, Penny’s birth name is Penelope Papachristodoulopoulos. 

She met Chris at the University of Illinois, and they married in 1992.  Her degree is in early childhood education. She works part time for the school district and part time at Costas’ Place establishing and maintaining the restaurant’s website.

She is the mother of Allegra, Homer and Nestor, and the grandmother of Evan.

Brandon O'Leary

Brandon O’Leary is Cassandra‘s brother-in-law.  He is Vanessa‘s husband and Noah, Parker and Kendra‘s father. 

Born in 1972 in Rock Falls, IL, he works for Kroger for many years.

An artist, Brandon aspires to support himself full time with his art. He sells some pieces and completes a few murals. He also wishes he had the opportunity to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In 2004, he accepts a position at an art museum in Minneapolis. This leads to a gallery opening that showcases his work.

He has two siblings, Mike and Amy; two nephews Tyler and Jared; and three nieces Samantha, Amanda and Kayla.

Persephone Economos Pappas

Persephone Economos is Cassandra‘s double cousin who grew up two houses down.

Born in 1975 in Sterling, IL, she is the daughter of Theos Khristos and Thea Ilena.

Persephone gave Cassandra the idea to keep a diary.

She attends Western Illinois University from 1993 to 1997 before returning to Sterling to work at Costas’ Place.

She marries Thanos Pappas whom she met at a festival and has Elena in 2002 and Darius.

Phil Economos

Phillipos “Phil” Economos is Cassandra‘s double cousin who grew up two houses down.

Born in 1977 in Sterling, IL, he is the son of Theos Khristos and Thea Ilena.  He has a love of food, especially baklava.

He attends Western Illinois University from 1995 to 1999.  After graduation, he works at Costas’ Place in the office, dealing

mostly with suppliers.

He begins dating Jennifer Anderson, whom he has been attracted to for years, in 1999.  The pair marry in May 2001.  They have two children, Grace, born in June 2004, and Ethan, born in 2007.

Maroula Economos

Maroula Economos is Cassandra‘s double cousin who grew up two house away.

Born in March 1979, two weeks after Cassandra, Maroula is the daughter of Theos Khristos and Thea Ilena.  

A stickler for the rules, Maroula nevertheless keeps her cousins’ secrets, although she doesn’t understand the need to rebel.

She attended Western Illinois University, studying accounting, and works part time doing bookkeeping for Costas’ Place.

Maroula elopes with Stephanos Voulgaropoulos, an ear nose and throat doctor she met while a student, in late summer 2004.  They have three boys — Lucas, born in June 2005;  Atlas, born in July 2006; and Damian, born in 2007.

Minerva Economos Angelopoulos

Minerva Economos is Cassandra‘s cousin. Her married name is Angelopoulos.

Born in 1967 in Sterling, IL, she is the daughter of Nectarias and Hadrina.  She also is the eldest grandchild of Costas and Kalliope Economos.

As the family’s oldest girl, she received a new dress for formal school dances.  Her hand-me-down dresses eventually trickle down to Vanessa and Cassandra after being worn by Petra, Narcissa, and Persephone.

Minerva is married with four children, the eldest of which was born in 1991.  She works as a hostess at Costas’ Place, and loves sparkly jewelry and accessories.

Petra Economos Adamos

Petra Economos is Cassandra‘s cousin.

Born in 1970 in Sterling, IL, she is the daughter of Nectarias and Hadrina.

Petra’s hand-me-downs eventually trick to Vanessa and Cassandra after also being worn by Minerva, Narcissa and Persephone.

Married to Basil Adamos, Petra has one child, Zoe.

Petra works as a hostess at Costas’ Place.

Narcissa Economos

Narcissa Economos is Cassandra‘s cousin.

Born in 1974 in Sterling, IL, she is the daughter of Nectarias and Hadrina.

Narcissa’s sister, Minerva, as the family’s oldest girl, received new dresses for formal school dances. Hand-me-downs eventually tricked down to Vanessa and Cassandra after being worn by Narcissa, Petra and Persephone.

Narcissa performs a variety of administrative tasks for Costas’ Place and models in photography used in marketing efforts.

Anastasia Matsoukis

Anastasia Matsoukis is Cassandra‘s cousin.

Born in 1981 in Sterling, IL, she is the only child of Eleni and Anatasios.  She also is Costas and Kalliope Economos’ youngest grandchild.

Growing up, she frequently was at Costas’ Place because her parents both worked there. 

Cassandra and Maroula often included her in their activities as teenagers, feeling sorry Anastasia’s an only child.

As of 2009, she was single.

Aunts and Uncles

Cassandra has six sets of aunts and uncles.  They are:

Khristos and Ilena Economos: Her paternal uncle and maternal aunt. Parents of Persephone, Phil and Maroula. They live two houses down.

Nectarias and Hadrina Economos: Her paternal uncle and his wife.  Parents of Minerva, Kostas, Tom and Narcissa. They live in Sterling.

Evangelos and Melissa Economos:  Her paternal uncle and his wife. Parents of Petra and Alexander. They live in Sterling.

Eleni and Anatasios Matsoukis: Her paternal aunt and her husband. Parents of Anastasia. They live in Sterling.

Yannis and Zina Petrakis:  Her maternal uncle and his wife.  Parents of Georgio, Takis and Orion. They live in Des Moines.

Nani and Xan Manikis: Her maternal aunt and her husband. Parents of Stephanos and Basil.They live in St. Louis

male cousins

Cassandra has several male cousins, although she is closest in age, as well as emotionally, to Phil. Her other male cousins are:

Georgio Petrakis: Born in 1964.  Son of Yannis and Zina.  Lives in Des Moines.

Takis Petrakis:  Born in 1967. Son of Yannis and Zina.  Lives in Des Moines.

Kostas Economos:  Born in 1968.  Son of Nectarias and Hadrina.  Lives in Sterling.One child.

Orion Petrakis:  Born in 1969.  Son of Yannis and Zina.  Lives in Des Moines.

Tom Economos:  Born in 1971.  Son of Nectarias and Hadrina.  Lives in Sterling. Two children.

Stephanos Manikis:  Born in 1972. Son of Nani and Xan.  Lives in St. Louis.

Alexander Economos:  Born in 1973. Son of Nectarias and Hadrina.  Lives in Sterling. Three children.

Basil Manikis:  Born in 1975.  Son of Nani and Xan.  Lives in St. Louis.

Allegra Economos is Cassandra‘s niece.  Born July 18, 1994, in Sterling, IL, she is Chris and Penny’s daughter.

A brilliant student, she graduated pre-med in 2016 from the University of Illinois.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, she was gaining her clinical experience at Proctor Community Hospital in Peoria.  Her stress relief was having sex with a male nurse in a car in the employee parking lot.  She gives birth to Evan on December 15, 2021, in Peoria.

Despite their child, Allegra does not pursue a long-term relationship with her lover because he is younger than she. 

Noah O’Leary is Cassandra‘s nephew.   Born June 6, 1996, in Sterling, IL, he is Vanessa and Brandon’s son. He’s named after actor Noah Wyle.

In 2004, he moves to Minneapolis when his father gets a job there.

In 2014, he graduates from Southwest High School.  He causes a small ruckus when he yells and curses loudly on stage.

By 2020, Noah has moved out of his parents’ house and lives in an apartment.

Noah proposes to his girlfriend in 2022.

Homer Economos is Cassandra‘s nephew.  Born January 22, 1997, in Sterling, IL, he is Chris and Penny’s son.

Homer graduates college in 2019 with a degree in business. 

He learned baseball as a way to bond with his uncle Eric.

Parker O’Leary is Cassandra‘s nephew. Born April 10, 1999, he is Vanessa and Brandon’s son.

In 2004, he moves to Minneapolis when his father gets a job there.

In 2026, Parker is married.

Nestor Economos is Cassandra‘s nephew. Born January 2000, he is  Chris and Penny‘s son.

As a teenager, he learns about baseball so he can bond with his uncle Eric.

In 2019, Nestor is studying business at the University of Western Illinois.  

Kendra O’Leary is Cassandra‘s niece.

Born in August 2003, in Sterling, IL, she is Vanessa and Brandon‘s daughter.

In 2004, she moves to Minneapolis when her father gets a job there.  Despite the move, she is close to her cousin Megan whom she is six months older than.

Katrina Franopoulos Economos

Katrina Franopoulos Economos is Cassandra and Nathaniel’s sister-in-law.   She was born 1977 in Addison, Illinois, and has a brother.

She was raised in a traditional, church-going family and lived with her parents until marriage.

She attended the University of Illinois where she met Greg.  The pair drifted apart, reconnecting in 2004 and marrying in April 2006.

She gives birth to Korina in 2008 via emergency C-section.  She struggles with infertility after that and cannot conceive another child.

Korina Economos is Greg and Katrina’s daughter and Cassie’s niece.  She was born in March 2008 in Sterling, Illinois.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Korina sickens but recovers.

Korina wants to be a family therapist when she gets older.

Muriel Chen Tan

Muriel Chen Tan is the half sister of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Eric, Bradley, Jacqueline and Destiny.  She was born in 1981 in Detroit and raised by a strict mother.  Muriel is particularly close to Cassie.

As a child, she was teased for being half Chinese and half white.  Her mother worked as a secretary for a vendor to Demitrios Economos’ company.

She met Theodore “Teddy” Tan, in college.  He also is half Asian and half white.  The pair wed in 2005 and have two daughters.  Zoey was born in 2006 and Liliana in 2008.  Both girls take karate.

Teddy works at a brokerage firm and only earns commission.  Muriel owns a cupcakery and writes poetry about relationships in her spare time.

Eric Christensen

Eric Christensen is the half brother of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Muriel, Bradley, Jacqueline and Destiny.  He was born in 1985 in Kansas City.

He was raised by a single mom who didn’t marry until he was a teenager.  His mother worked as a receptionist for a vendor to Demitrios Economos’s company.  She died in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As child, Eric’s grandfather and uncle took him to Kansas City Royals games, and Eric played baseball in high school.

Eric is married to Dana, and they have three sons.  He does installations and troubleshooting for the cable company.

Eric has a close relationship with Chris and his sons.

Bradley Schaefer

Bradley Schaefer is the half brother of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Muriel and Eric, and Destiny, and the full brother of Jacqueline.  He was born in 1991 in Omaha.

His mother was an administrative assistant for a company that was a vendor for Demitrios Economos’ company.

He lives in the Boston metro area where he works as an exec with an insurance company.

He lives with his girlfriend, Monica, and they have two children, Liam and Declan.

Jacqueline Schaefer Price

Jacqueline “Jackie” Schaefer is the half sister of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Muriel, Eric and Destiny, and the full sister of Bradley.  She was born in 1995 in Omaha.

Her mother was an administrative assistant for a company that was a vendor for Demitrios Economos’ company.

A personal trainer, Jacqueline was engaged to Kyle Price, a gym teacher, with the wedding scheduled for June 2020.  The COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced the wedding to be cancelled.  The couple later married via Zoom.

They have one child, Violet.

Evan Economos is the son of Allegra Economos and a male nurse who was her co-worker while she was gaining her clinical experience at Proctor Community Hospital in Peoria.   Evan was born December 15, 2021, in Peoria.

He is the ring bearer at his second cousin Megan’s wedding in 2026.

Evan is the grandson of Chris and Penny, and the great-grandson of Daria and Demetrios Economos.

Destiny Mason

Destiny Mason is the half sister of Chris, Greg, Vanessa, Cassandra, Muriel, Eric, Brad and Jackie.  She was born in Peoria in 1998.

She was raised by her mother and grandmother.  In her youth, her mother involved her in a library program, and this pushed Destiny to get good grades to go to college. She’s a freelance software developer.

Her son Jasper was born in 2003, and she’s a single mother.

Destiny has always wanted a dad, but her mother told her very little about him, so she went on the ancestry DNA sites.  Instead of finding her father, she found half sister Muriel.