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Obituary of

January 8, 2026

Irene Andriopoulos Pappas

Lived January the 30^th,1932 – January the 8^th, 2026

Irene Andriopolos Pappas was a beloved mother and grandmother. Irene was born on January the 30^th of 1932 in Athens Greece. The middle child of 7 children of Anna and Peter Andriopoulos, Irene had a wonderful family to accompany her on her journey through life. Her childhood was full of adventure with her siblings and she was fortunate enough to be educated at the Institut Francais in Athens. Sadly, all was not rosy during her childhood as Irene and her siblings were living in Nazi occupied Greece. Irene’s family emigrated to the United States after World War, II when she was 14 years old, where they forged a new life.

Irene went to Hunter College where she studied French literature. Upon graduating, she began a Masters in French Literature at Columbia University (Barnard). Irene fell in love with a dashing young gentleman named William Pappas who was a student at New York University. They shared their Greek heritage, their love of languages and their intellectual curiosity. William and Irene married in 1955 at the Greek Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on New York’s Upper Eastside. After the wedding, the young couple moved to Athens, Greece where William was posted with the US State Department. As Irene’s children began to grow, she pursued a career. Initially, Irene worked at the Centre for Peace Studies and later joined the staff of the United Nations as a translator until her retirement.

Irene and William had three daughters; Anna, Demetra and Christina. Demetra and Christina survive Irene. Anna and Christina had five children between them; Anna’s children are Alexandra, William and Andrew who are now adults. Christina’s young children, Jessica and Alexander, were very close to their Yiayia, speaking to her most days and spending school vacations with her.

As well as her living descendants, Irene is survived by two of her loving siblings, Maria and Catherine, and her beloved sister in-law Bessie.