It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Irene Katsoulis, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Irene was a devoted wife to the late Konstantinos Katsoulis, and loving mother to daughter Stav D’Andrea (Frank) and son Nick Katsoulis (late Angie). Her greatest joy was being a grandmother to Eric (Agnes), Tara (Adrian), Tino and Michael and great grandmother to baby Noah. She loved nothing more than to spoil them and her love for them had no limits! When they would fondly address her as ‘yaya’, she would immediately light up.

Irene enjoyed a wonderful life filled with much joy and laughter, and above all had a great love for family. She was born in Greece on January 15, 1940 and will be missed by loving sister Niki (late Gus) and brother Dino (Guerda) and her much adored extended family. She enjoyed gatherings with friends and relatives, where she would prepare and bake for days so all could enjoy Greek food and homemade pastries. She would find a way to celebrate each day and make it special, through endless Greek name day and birthday celebrations. She also enjoyed the regular Hillcrest Mall gatherings with friends where they would share stories of the Greek homeland and recipes over coffee and cookies.

Easter and Christmas were extra special holidays. For Easter the weeklong celebrations included dozens of egg painting for the ceremonial ‘cracking’ event, daily Church services, endless baking and preparing the ‘magiritsa’. For Christmas the decorating started in early November where every room had colourful tinsel and lights for all to enjoy.

Irene had a zest for life and many passions. She was a professional seamstress who would create fashion forward designs, not to mention the greatest doll clothes, very much appreciated by her daughter. Irene also loved to bake at all hours. Every afternoon was sure to include a coffee and a homemade dessert – Baklava being top rated! Irene also would spend hours on end in the garden, attending to flower beds or vegetables to share more than eat.

Irene loved her visits to Greece. She would make a great effort to connect across the world to continue traditions of celebrations, or merely share stories of the simple things in life. In her 2022 visit she talked fondly of her vacation with her lifelong friend Joan in Kalamata where they spent their days with laughter on the beach.

Irene was adored, loved and treasured by her family and friends. She will be truly missed and will forever be remembered for her kindness, generosity of spirit, and her dedication to those she loved.