Irene Costas Decker

Irene Costas Decker passed away on Tuesday August 1, 2017, after a months-long battle with cancer. A native of Jacksonville, Irene was born on February 4, 1936, the youngest of John and Leola Costas’ three children. She graduated from Landon High School, attended the University of Florida and was a proud Gator fan. Irene worked for the Internal Revenue Service for over 10 years and later, when her children were older, worked in the principal’s office at Wolfson High School until she retired. She was a ready volunteer at her children’s schools, including serving as past president of the Hendricks Avenue Elementary PTA, a member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and a 50 year member of the Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) Society of her parish. Irene was a lifelong member of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, faithfully worshipping with her family and instilling in her children a love of God and the Church.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph; her parents; and her brother, Deno J. Costas. She is survived by her sister, Maria Condaxis; sister-in-law, Betty Costas; children, Joseph, Valerie (Rev. Fr. Aris) Metrakos, and Dena (John) Pirkey; grandchildren, Nicholas (Anysia) Metrakos, Stefan Metrakos, John Pirkey, III, and Elizabeth Pirkey; great-grandchildren, Katerina and Aristides Metrakos; and numerous nieces and nephews who were all dearly loved by their Aunt Irene.

Visitation begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Trisagion service at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7 at St. John the Divine, 3850 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32207. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 8, at St. John the Divine. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to St. John the Divine Building Fund or the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), 220 Mason Manatee Way, St. Augustine, FL, 32086. Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.