She was born February 15, 1929 in Houston to Nikitas A. and Kleanthe (Fokakis) Varvares.
Irene was a graduate of Reagan High School where she was the lead girls’ softball pitcher for four years. After graduating in 1947, Irene began her career as an administrative assistant that continued until 1968. From 1968 to 1978, she and her husband were independent distributors for the Houston Post, then became self-employed until their retirement in 1991.
She was a parishioner of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and a member of Daughters of Penelope.
Irene was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a successful business woman. She was known for her love of gardening. She enjoyed cooking, caring for her grandchildren, going to church and the family beach house, and playing bingo and cards. She will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her husband, Manuel N. Caridas; daughters, Kleanthe Caruso and Catherine Caridas; son-in-law, Mike Caruso; grandchildren, Katina Gulotta Fulton and her husband Darrell Fulton, Gabriel N. Gulotta, and Michael V. P. Caruso; great grandchildren, Vivian Lynn Gulotta and John G. Gulotta; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren in Houston, Tyler, New Orleans, New York, Mississippi, and Virginia.
A funeral service for Irene will be held Friday, September 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, Texas 77077, with a visitation to start one hour prior. Following the funeral, she will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr, Houston, Texas 77055. There will be a reception following the cemetery service at St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church.
Serving as pallbearers are Nick C. Caridas, Nick G. Caridas, Michael V. P. Caruso, Mike M. Caruso, Arthur Fokakis III, Gabriel N. Gulotta, Pete Kanakidis, and Dennis Vallianos.
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