Irene Spyros (Irini Spyratos), 86, a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on July 23, 2023, in Schenectady, New York. She was born on March 29, 1937, in Amaroussion (Marousi), Greece, and embodied grace, warmth, and motherhood. Irene was born to her parents Panagiotis and Erasmia Bratsolia. Her great-grandfather emigrated to Greece from France to serve as the personal dentist of the Greek Royal family in the 1800's. Her family spent many decades in the then Royal equestrian countryside of Marousi, now an upscale Athens suburb, acquiring real estate along the way. Her early years were steeped in her homeland's rich traditions and culture, including ballet, elements that she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren. Irene was courted by her husband, Dennis Demitrios Spyros (Spyratos), who had already emigrated to America. He eventually returned to Greece to sweep her off her feet and marry her. He brought her back to America to live the American dream. Settling in Schenectady, New York, Irene and Dennis planted their roots and began their greatest accomplishment, raising a family. Irene was a devoted wife who supported her husband's work endeavors while raising her children and taking pride in her home. Irene was an exceptional cook, dedicated to using only fresh ingredients. She also loved to bake traditional Greek desserts. Eating healthily was so important to her that she would take her children out of school during lunchtime to ensure they ate a homemade meal with no preservatives. She also took her children to orphanages when they were growing up to teach them the importance of gratitude and charity. Irene was proud of her Greek heritage and a faithful parishioner at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. Her faith was essential to her life, and she found joy in her Church community. She made an annual pilgrimage to visit the Monastery on the island of Tinos to get the Virgin Mary's grace, feel close to her, and get her blessing. Irene was baptized at the Monastery. Irene was an elegant woman with a gentle spirit that touched everyone she met. When Dennis retired, they began to share more time at their homes in Sarasota, Florida, and Greece. The moments in Greece brought her great joy as she could reconnect with her roots and enjoy her later years, especially when her grandchildren visited. She also spent her later years putting her husband to work, developing some of her family real estate holdings in Marousi, including a multi-story condominium complex. Irene is predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Dennis, and her sister, Efrosini Pitsili. She is survived by her daughters, Erasmia (Arthur) Spyros and Roubina Morgan (Thomas); grandchildren, Justin (Kristin) Morgan and Ariana Morgan; cherished niece, Sofia Pitsili; including many other relatives in both Greece and the United States. She also adored her sweet Yorkie, Bebe, who was a constant companion. Irene passed on her love of animals to her children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Glenville Funeral Home. Arrangements are being coordinated for Irini to be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Dennis, at St. Yiannis Cemetery in Fokata, Kefalonia. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton Street, Schenectady, New York.
