Bertha Kibildis, 75, of Woodridge, whose independent spirit lifted her through some of life’s most difficult moments, died Sunday, March 10, of colon cancer in her home. Mrs. Kibildis was born on Chicago’s South Side into a large Greek family, said her son, Anthony. She demonstrated early her independent and rebellious streak. After graduating from Flower Vocational High School, she studied psychology at Northwestern University for two years. During that time, she also taught classical piano. She briefly worked at American Bank. Through a mutual friend, the trainer for the Detroit Tigers, Mrs. Kibildis met her husband, Anthony, who was a professional wrestler. The couple married within three months, her son said. “She was always a rebel. She was the first one in her family to marry someone who wasn’t Greek. She lived by her own standards, and she brought me up like that,” her son said. Her husband left wrestling and became a dispatcher for Van Lines, and the couple settled in Chicago. Mrs. Kibildis stayed home to care for their son. “We lived over a Polk Brothers store at one time. I remember there was a fire and my mother carried me downstairs wrapped in a blanket,” her son said. In 1961, Mrs. Kibildis’ life changed with the death of her husband. She began working as a bookkeeper for Bailey’s Beautician and Supply Co., handling the Revlon account. For 10 years, she was employed at Continental Bank in downtown Chicago, working in collections and bookkeeping. After her retirement, she moved in with her son in Woodridge to help raise his family. “She was unique. She was definitely strong-willed but loving. She was always looking out for other people,” her son said. Other survivors include a sister, Coula Poulos, and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, Illinois Highway 53 and Short Street, Lisle. Service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday in Trinity Lutheran Church, 5839 Main St., Lisle.
