Irene Arapkiles

Irene Demos Arapkiles, 94, died at home on 4 March 2021.  She was born on 15 November 1926 in Colorado Springs where she lived until her marriage to Vassilis Arapkiles in 1952.  She then moved to Denver and devoted most of her life to her husband and children.

She was very active in the Greek Orthodox church which enriched her spiritual and social life, had a wide circle of friends, and traveled as often as possible.  Her last trip to Greece, her version of paradise, took place when she was in her late 80s, which she enjoyed with her oldest daughter and one of her granddaughters.

Irene’s love for life was evident in everything she did.  She naturally made the smallest of events a celebration and found great joy in both the mundane and the exceptional.  A day digging in the garden was tantamount to a holiday gathering with family.  During the last year of her life, while living through the covid quarantine, Irene still found something that brought her pleasure each day.

Life’s burdens did not ignore Irene, however.  Her love and care for her husband during the last 15 years of his life revealed a remarkable devotion rarely witnessed in such circumstances.  Though Vass struggled with his disabilities, Irene made sure his life was rich and full of love every day.  This devotion was also shown in her relationships with her children, grandchildren and friends.

Irene is survived by her four children, Strat (Megan Arapkiles), Demi (the late Tom Garner), Eleni (Tim Hogan), Tina (Patrick Healy) and six grandchildren, Alexandra Juhl, Nick Arapkiles, Ian Garner, Dylan Garner, Teelin Healy, Nora Healy.  Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vassilis.

In honor of Irene’s wishes due to the pandemic, a private immediate family only service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Assumption Cathedral and burial will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of being present at the Cathedral, guest are invited to attend the service for Irene, virtually. Please visit http://www.assumptioncathedral.org/ to find the livestream link. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in Irene's name to either of the following organizations.

The Food Bank of the Rockies

Donation Link:

https://secure.foodbankrockies.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app330a?idb=931300542&df_id=6741&mfc_pref=T&6741.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=5D56B28D100BF0EA003FC898501A0F13&_ga=2.231579551.1412025179.1615219393-1149455020.1615219393

Brotherhood of Saint George

Greek Orthodox Hermitage/Hesychasteirion

361 Forest Street

Denver, Colorado 80220

(303)316-7407