Irene Theodore's Obituary
Irene Marie Theodore, 86, passed away on February 1, 2024, in Strongsville, Ohio.
She was born on May 26, 1937, to Constantine and Mary Vourliotis in Cleveland, Ohio.
Irene graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1956 where she demonstrated her various talents as an artist, a member of the school choir, and also a member of a modern dance group.
Irene met her husband, George, on the front steps of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on West 14th Street, in Cleveland in 1957. They were married in September of that year. Irene and George have three children, James (April), George (Maria) and Kristina (deceased) Buckwald. A loving sister to John (Charlene) and Jim (Karen) Vourliotis. She was a beloved Yiaya to Aaron Theodore, Alissa Theodore (Bidlack), Olivia Theodore (Huffman), Isaac Theodore, Maddie Theodore, Scott Buckwald, Stephanie Harbaugh, Heather Buckwald, Rob Buckwald, Alex Mancabelli, Dawson Mancabelli, Leah Mancabelli, Emmy Mancabelli, Stacey Cohen, and Rachel Cohen. She was a beloved godmother to Tina Vourliotis and Maria Vourliotis.
Irene was known as a woman who exemplified style, grace, and kindness. She was a member of the St. Paul’s choir for many years, a talented seamstress, painter, and sculptor. Her home was the center of countless holiday gatherings where she would craft a unique centerpiece for each occasion. She was a talented cook who passed on many of her cherished Greek recipes to her granddaughters. Irene was deeply loved by her family for always being positive, affirming, supportive, and kind. She was everyone’s biggest fan, and was known to admonish pouters with expression, “Don’t have a Foongie face or someday you’ll have wrinkles.”
She was our angel on earth. And will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
VISITATION will be held on TUESDAY, February 6th from 4pm- 7pm with the Trisagion beginning at 6pm, at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 4548 Wallings Road, North Royalton. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held on WEDNESDAY, February 7th at 11am, also at church. Interment will take place at St. Theodosius Cemetery. There will be a luncheon held at St. Paul's following the burial.
What’s your fondest memory of Irene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Irene?
Share a story where Irene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Irene you’ll never forget.
How did Irene make you smile?
