“I’m finally here, by the throne, celebrate me home.”
Irene Karakas passed away on October 19, 2022. She was born May 25, 1927 in Superior, Wisconsin. Irene and her family moved to Portland, OR when she was three years old. Her family settled in Northeast Portland where Irene attended St. Rose School and Grant High School.
After graduation from Grant, Irene joined the workforce as a legal secretary. She met her husband, Tom Karakas, a professional hockey player with common roots in northern Minnesota and the two were married in 1951. The couple settled in Northeast Portland and Tom and Irene became parents to Steve, Susan, Ann and Joan. At this point, Irene became a full-time mom.
Irene found herself again in St. Rose parish and lived very close to her parents, Pat and Florence. Irene had a circle of friends—many from her grade school days who she kept in contact throughout her life. There were many bridge games and social occasions with family and friends. She was part of a close-knit group of friends involved in Portland Buckaroo hockey where she attended nearly every home game while Tom was part of the officiating team.
In 1967 the family moved to Lafayette, CA for three years but the call to come home to Portland was strong. Irene, Tom and family moved into the house in Raleigh Hills she would call home for the next 51 years.
As her kids went on to college, Irene returned to work as a legal secretary and then eventually moved into office administration for building and hotel firms. After her retirement she became increasingly involved at St. John Fischer Parish as a Eucharistic Minister as well as on the Administrative Council.
Irene and Tom enjoyed 56 years of marriage and after Tom passed away in 2008 Irene welcomed into the home, daughter Ann, who provided companionship and care. Irene joined the rest of her children at Holy Trinity Parish where she attended Mass regularly—even online through the pandemic.
Irene is survived by her son Steve (Shawn), Susan, Ann, Joan (Deral). She was blessed with nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s name to the Providence Heart Institute.
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