Ann Jensen Obituary

Ann Elizabeth Jensen, née Georgans, (Kotsakis) (Richert), known as "Nano" to loved ones, passed away at age 85, January 15, 2025, in Glenview, Illinois.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, raised in Des Plaines, and resident of Mount Prospect, Illinois, Ann had an affinity for music at an early age. She loved the music program at Maine East High School, where she flourished as a musician. She played the piano and string bass and sang in multiple choirs, including the madrigals, with which she toured cross country. Ann's musical highlights included playing string bass at the Grand Forks Symphony in North Dakota, where she earned her bachelor's degree in music and education at the University of North Dakota. Ann received her master's degree at National Louis University in education.
One of the highlights of Ann's musical career was singing with her choir group, Northwest Choral Society, at Symphony Hall.
Ann began her education career as a music teacher then switched to elementary education at East Maine District 63, where she taught for 43 years.
The highlight of every school year was Ann's International Day, a beautiful celebration of 44-plus languages and cultures.
Ann loved teaching 5th and 6th grades, and absolutely adored her students at Wilson, Stevenson, and Apollo School. A highlight of her teaching career was being principal alternate at Apollo School. Ann continued substitute teaching in the district after she retired. She really loved her teacher friends and her students, and providing a welcoming, nurturing, and supportive classroom environment.
Ann thoroughly enjoyed attending Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, and Lang Lang concerts with her subscriptions to Ravinia and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as sharing her musical gift with others.
For those fortunate to have met her, Ann made friends everywhere she went. It was impossible to leave a restaurant or a grocery store without her knowing someone and striking up a conversation.
As the family matriarch, Ann gleefully led rollicking renditions of the 12 Days of Christmas and other carols, making the holidays joyful and memorable for all. Everyone felt like a part of the family (and a little Greek) when celebrating with Ann.
Ann's love of family, friends, music, and all things Greek was deepened by her unsurpassed grace, resilience and fortitude. Ann was a Spartan by blood, a fighter to the end, and no ordinary hero to her loved ones.
Ann is survived by her children
Dimitri Kotsakis (son), Jodi Shadid (daughter-in-law), Christina Kathman (daughter), David Kathman (son-in-law), stepdaughters Amy (Kevin) Grotzke and Amanda (Marco) Morales, and stepson David (Jenny) Richert.
Ann is survived by her grandchildren Corey Kotsakis, Kyler Kotsakis, Gabriella Dusilo, and great grandchildren Joseph and Bridget Kotsakis.
Ann is survived by her sisters Janet LeNoble and Barbara Georgans. They were affectionately known as "The Three Swans."
Ann is predeceased by Michael Kotsakis (spouse), Del Richert (spouse), Gerald Jensen (spouse), and parents Gus and Georgia Georgans.
Ann's visitation will take place on Sunday, January 19th between 4:00 -8:00 pm at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home 8025 West Golf Road, Niles, Illinois.
Church service at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, January 20th at 10:00 am at 2350 E. Dempster, Des Plaines. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery 2905 N. Thatcher Ave, River Grove, IL
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