Dr. Eleni Roulis, Ph.D.

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Roulis, Dr. Eleni, Ph.D. Professor, leader, writer, and fierce feminist Eleni Roulis' zest for life, infectious smile and being a force for making the world a better place will live on in the many lives she touched throughout her life. Eleni passed away on October 31st, at age 75, as she wished, at home, free of pain and fear. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, wild type in March of this year and courageously set off on a difficult journey through brain cancer. Eleni met the diagnosis and the life changes head on, beaming her glorious smile, being unfailingly gracious and looking for joy at every opportunity, including within hours of waking up from brain surgery and being grateful she woke up. Eleni was the eldest child of Ethel and Thomas Roulis and grew up with her brothers John and William and sister Mary in New York City. Eleni earned her Bachelor of Arts at St. John University, her Master of Arts from NYU and her Ph.D., on a Fellowship for Doctoral Studies from University of Minnesota. Her career in education spanned a decade of teaching Secondary English and French in New York City Schools to 38 years at the University of St. Thomas where she rose to Full Professor, served in several leadership positions, including 5 years as AVP for Academic Affairs. Her dedication to her students and colleagues was demonstrated by her teaching classes right up to the day before brain surgery. Eleni is survived by her brother and sister-in-law William and Marina Roulis, sister of the heart Rosemary Rocco, sister-in-law Judy Roulis, sister Mary Najeddine nieces Nicole Roulis, Eleni Roulis Mara, nephews Thomas Roulis, Tarik Najeddine, six great nieces and nephews, dear friends and the hundreds of students, educators, agents for social change and the people from all walks of life she touched and inspired. A funeral reception will be held at Historic Thomson-Dougherty Funeral Home, 2535 Park Ave. Minneapolis MN 55404 from 5-8PM, Friday, November 18, 2022. A Memorial Celebration of Eleni's life will be held next spring. Memorials can be made to the Dr. Eleni Roulis Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by her family at Risen Christ Catholic School, Minneapolis 1120 E. 37th St. Minneapolis, MN 55407, or to the organization of your choosing that makes the world a better place for girls and women. The family and Rosemary extend their deepest thank you to everyone who gave care and support with open hearts and who shared laughter and tears with Eleni on this last journey. The soul that was Eleni is on to her next adventure, and we know she started it fully prepared and deeply at peace. Historic Thomson-Dougherty 612-871-4407

Published on November 16, 2022