The Greek immigrant who arrived in the US at the age of 4 and had a public park named after her

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis from Tegea arrived in America with her family in 1922. Growing up, she managed to study law at the university, at a time when female immigrants were extremely difficult, and then served in the US Navy in a department that handled classified state secrets.

She managed to study law at university, at a time when immigration was extremely difficult for women, and then served in the US Navy in a department that handled classified state secrets.

In Illinois, she opened her own law firm, served as an assistant district attorney, and began a career in politics that lasted over 30 years, reaching not only becoming a senator but also serving the longest term in the Senate in Illinois. She stood out for her straightforwardness and her ability to work with people from different political parties, who simply called her “Geo.” In the meantime, she did not lose touch with her Greek Orthodox heritage: for over fifty years, she was a member and supporter of the Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios.

After her death in 2008 at the age of 89, a public park (Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park) was named in her honor.