Irene M. Karaphillis

Irene M. Karaphillis, A treasured wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on May 19, 2014 at the age of 86. She was the daughter of Greek immigrants – the late Nick and Sevasti Maillis.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Dr. John T. Karaphillis in 2004. She is survived by her four children – Tula (Steve) Economy, Cappy (John) Lelekis, Mary K. (Joel) Parker, and Theo (Shawn) Karaphillis; eight grandchildren – Joy (Pit) Gills, Tom (Helen), John, and Stephen (Rachelle) Economy, Manuel (Eleni) and Irene Kara Lelekis, and Charlotte and Johnny Karaphillis; and seven great grandchildren – Pitzer, Parker, and Stokes Gills, Stephen and Irene Economy, and Yianni and Maria Lelekis.

She married Dr. John Karaphillis after World War II, and they settled in Clearwater, Florida where she has resided for 64 years. She was a member of the Junior League, Casado Club, YWCA Board, Pinellas County Medical Auxiliary, Carlouel Yacht Club and Belleair Country Club. She, along with her husband, was one of the founders of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Irene was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her faith was very important to her. She was a combination of a Greek Matriarch with a gracious Southern charm. Irene was a dear friend to all, and had the special gift of sharing her love and kindness to everyone.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 22nd, at 6-8pm, at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater. Funeral services will be Friday, May 23rd at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 Old S. Coachman Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Morton Plant Mease Foundation, 1200 Druid Road S., Clearwater, FL 33756 or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 S. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

www.mossfeasterclearwater.com