Irene Kalantzis' Obituary
Irene Truban Kalantzis fell asleep in the Lord on October 29th, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Irene was born in Leonidion, Greece to Elias and Matina Truban. When asked about her early years, Irene always said, “I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything in the world”. The joys of village life were cut short by World War II. Elias Truban had served in the U.S. Army in the First World War and was one of three members of his company to survive the Battle of Verdun. Having earned his American citizenship through military service, he was able to bring his family to the U.S. and start over after the Second World War. Traveling by ship, and passing through Ellis Island, they settled in Elmira, NY where Irene graduated from high school. She enjoyed going to the movies with her sister, Maxine, and had a joyous laugh that could be heard throughout the theater. Moving on to Chicago, IL, Irene worked for Westinghouse as a secretary. One day, Angelo Kalantzis traveled from Waco, TX to Chicago at the urging of his sister, the late Maria Colias. He visited the Truban family and asked for Irene’s hand in marriage. Her brother James advised her to accept the proposal. Three months and many letters later, they were married and settled in Waco, TX. Irene had known of Angelo as a child in their village. As a little girl, she had pointed him out and said, “One day, I’m going to marry that boy”. And so she did. Irene was part owner of the Jet Coffee Shop in Dallas with her husband and brother. In addition to helping at the restaurant, she was a full time mom. She was the primary caregiver to her mother Matina in her final years. Before retiring, Irene served meals to elementary school children in the Farmers Branch – Carrollton School District, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Irene was known for her skill baking delicious Greek dishes, cookies, and vasilopita. Her grandsons loved her unparalleled baked chicken with potatoes, pastichio and spanakopita. She was also known for her beautiful voice as a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church choir in Dallas, her love of Greek dancing (especially Tsamiko), and her unfailing faith. She was a longtime member of the Philoptochos Society and the Daughters of Penelope. Irene was pre-deceased by her father, Elias Truban, her beloved brother, James Truban, and her mother, Matina Truban. She is survived by her husband, Angelo Kalantzis, her sister, Maxine Siomos, her children, Reverend Protopresbyter John Kalantzis (Presbytera Michelle Kalantzis), Elaine Mays (George Mays), Elias (Lee) Kalantzis, and her grandchildren Evan Kalantzis, George Kalantzis, and James Kalantzis. Donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75240-5412 in Irene’s name. The family will receive friends on November 2, 2016 at 6:00PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox located at 13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX immediately followed by Trisagion service at 7:00PM. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 10:00AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Christopher Constantinides presiding, immediately followed by burial at Restland Memorial Park.
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