Irene Iatridis

Irene Iatridis, 86, died peacefully at home in Raleigh, North Carolina after an extended illness. She is survived by her daughter, Alexia, her two sons, Andrew and James, her daughters-in-law, Ragan and Christine, and her grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas.

Irene was born on April 15, 1938 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to the late Demetrios and Sofia Pardales. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jim Iatridis, who she lovingly cared for during his long battle with multiple sclerosis, as well as her brother, James Pardales.

Irene and Jim raised their three children in Tenafly, New Jersey and the family spent many happy summers at their home in Amagansett. They frequently traveled to Florida, and, in 1973, enjoyed a multi-week trip across Canada and the western U.S. Over the course of her life, Irene gave her time generously to her family and large network of cherished friends among whom she was renowned as a festive hostess and excellent cook.

While North Carolina was Irene's home during her early and final years, she lived much of her life in and around New York City. She grew up in Garden City where she was educated in the New York public schools. Irene earned a double degree in biology and chemistry from Adelphi University, which she put to good use as a biology teacher at a public high school in Queens. With a quick mind and a can-do approach to life, Irene was a success in several occupations including as an executive assistant to Stanley Kaplan and as a trader at multiple financial firms on Wall Street and in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Irene retired early to enjoy time with her husband and to travel around the eastern U.S. She especially treasured her opportunities to visit Greece, Venice, Istanbul, and the Galápagos Islands. Following a bout with breast cancer, she was an active volunteer and then staff member at Gilda's Club in northern New Jersey. When she moved to Raleigh in 2012, she was warmly welcomed into the Greek Orthodox Church as a member and a volunteer with the Ladies of Philoptochos.

The family is grateful for the attentive care that Irene received from the dedicated individuals at Carolina Care Consultancy and from Transitions Life Care hospice services.

A funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 2nd at Holy Trinity of Raleigh Greek Orthodox Church located at 5000 Lead Mine Road in Raleigh. Burial followe din Raleigh Memorial Park.

To mark the fortieth day of Irene's passing, a celebration of life will be held in early June.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers may direct memorials to the following charities, Holy Trinity of Raleigh Greek Orthodox Church; Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda's Club, or Transitions LifeCare, by using the links below, under 'Donations':

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Irene, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.