Virginia Margaret Kouidis

12/17/1943 - 11/01/2024

Virginia M. Kouidis (nee Shappee), known to family and friends as Margaret, was born in Pittsburg, Kansas and grew up in rural South Haven, Michigan on the shore of Lake Michigan. Through grade 5 she attended one room country schools and then South Haven public schools. She earned her BA degree from Michigan State University and an MA and PhD in American Civilization from University of Iowa. At Iowa she met and in 1970 married Apostolos (Paul) Kouidis, a PhD student in French language and literature. In 1974 the couple moved to Auburn, Alabama, where Margaret taught for 32 years in the Auburn University English Department. She was co-editor of the Southern Humanities Review 1995-2009. In retirement she enjoyed teaching American literature in the Osher Life Long Learning Institute at Auburn (OLLI). The couple picked up the pace of their foreign travel, continuing visits to Paul's family in Greece, further exploring Western Europe, and venturing into South and Central America. Increasingly, Margaret's favorite destination was the Greek islands with their glorious vistas, soothing sun and seas, and endless opportunities for pleasure and cultural adventurer.

Paul died in 2021. Margaret is survived by her brother William Shappee, his wife Darlene and their children Daniela, William, and Walter; her sister Barbara Shappee Redding, her husband Dennis and their son John; Paul's nephew Peter Kouidis, his wife Ruth and their children Mara and Andrew; and his niece Mary Hatzikazakis and her daughters Stella, Magdalene, and Joanna. Margaret was grateful for supportive friends, and the care she received from her doctors, especially Internist Dr. Jason Campbell and Dr. Brandon Johnson and the staff at the Spencer Cancer Center. The nurses there are extra special.

A special appreciation to the staff and nurses at Compassus Hospice and the caretakers from home RN.