Devoted daughter, caring sister, loving wife, dedicated mother and beloved γιαγιά. Born in historic Messolonghi, Greece, Irini was raised primarily by her hard working mother as her father sadly died far too early. With her mother working to care for the family, Irini, the oldest of three siblings, took over the household where she honed her outstanding cooking and baking skills that everyone greatly appreciated. She graduated from high school with a special certificate in French and worked for the municipality as the general secretary. One fateful day she met the only one for her and courageously took a leap of faith to cross the Atlantic to join him in Calgary where they built a new life, worked tirelessly and raised their family.
Irini instilled Greek culture and the value of lifelong learning in her family and volunteered in the Greek Orthodox Community and Calgary Philoptochos Society. She taught her children, niece and nephews Greek at the kitchen table and made sure they were never late for anything. For many years, Irini touched the lives of dozens of others as a dayhome provider. She genuinely took care of everyone and selflessly dedicated her life to her family. Forever in our hearts she will be missed and may she rest in peace. Καλό ταξίδι!
Irini leaves behind her loving husband of 50 years, Athanasios, her four children Costa (Katerina), Georgia (Alexander), Alex (Dimitra) and Chris, her six grandchildren Vera, Athanasios, Erini, Leonidas, Maria and Eirini, her sister Maria, her sister-in-law Alexandra and many nieces and nephews.
Prayer Service will be held at Evan J. Strong Funeral Services (5502 2 St. SW) on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 6:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent SW) on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 11:00 am. Graveside service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Out of respect for the elderly masks are recommended. Arrangements in care of Evan J. Strong Funeral Services 403-265-1199.
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