Irene Argyris, beloved wife of Steve Argyris, left us this week. She was
my closest aunt, by marriage, of Ted's family. Stricken by cancer, she left
with head held high as she never accepted to fight the deadly disease
with chemotherapy, but, rather, spent her last summer in Lefkada enjoying her
family, her beautiful home and the deep blue Ionian sea.
Irene lived an uncompromising end just as she lived an uncompromising
life, always displaying a unique youthfulness which you thought would never
end, even as the years passed. I first met Irene when she had just turned
fifty, the year I was engaged to Ted and entered the Argyris family. I met her
in Valaoritou Street, in downtown Athens, and admired her for her elegance, her
charm and her laughter.
She was a Canadian of Greek
origin and that made her very proud. Although she was born in Montreal,
she spoke Greek perfectly and adored her country of origin. She returned to
Greece every summer, to roam with friends on the islands and to end up, every
August, with Steve, in Lefkada, where they would enjoy the beaches and the
local food at the tavernas as if there were no tomorrow.
When I came to settle in Montreal, Irene opened her arms and her home to
me as I was trying to adapt to the unknown reality of this wintry city. She
always invited us for dinner, preparing the table, every time, as if it were a
big celebration. She would always set crisp tablecloths and fine porcelain and,
of course, serve the most beautiful and delicious dishes.
Those days will remain engraved in my heart and in my memory for the
love, the generosity and the welcoming hug that Irene showed me. And I will
never forget the evenings that we enjoyed with resounding, carefree laughter
while Irene shared family stories that helped add to the understanding of my
adopted home.
Every holiday, Irene would invite us to her festive feasts. At
Christmas, she would serve roast pig accompanied by many other wonderful
delicacies that she would prepare under the expert guidance of her father,
Peter Glezos. For Easter, she would offer the best tripe soup that would be
followed by the traditional roast lamb, expertly seasoned and decorated by
Steve.
Her mother, Mary, and Peter were always present and I never tired of
hearing the story, over and over, of how Peter secretly wed the beautiful Mary,
who was an unacceptable "foreigner." And it never ceased to amaze me
how Peter Glezos, of Naxos, was so proud of his origins that he knew every
village and beach on the island even though he had never once visited Greece.
At these gatherings, Irene would display a class and tidiness that she
inherited from her grandmother, Irene Glezos(Glezaina) from Naxos. Irene was
religiousely devoted to her Greek grandmother, whose name and grace she
inherited, but she also cultivated a long and close relationship with the
cousins from her father’s family. However, it is that matriarchal figure of
Irene Glezos, her gracious grandmother, that remains engraved in my mind as a
result of the narratives related to me by my Aunt.
Irene managed to create a perfect balance in her life between Canada and
Greece. In Montreal, she was the cosmopolitan teacher of cosmetology who had
many friends and entertained in a Canadian way, albeit without forgetting the
Greek traditions. In Lefkada, which she frequented much more often after
her retirement, she would enjoy her wonderful home, always hosting
acquaintances from back home. There, she would transform into the consummate
“Lefkaditissa” and enjoy her many local friends.
Irene leaves behind her beloved husband, Steve, who stood heroically by
her side until the very end and her daughter, Maria, who, in turn, also
inherited the tidiness and the openness of character of her mother.
In Lefkada, she leaves her beloved granddaughter, Stephanie, who grew up
spending her summers there with her grandparents. Today, Stephanie is married
to Sotiris Kirolivanos and they have a wonderful daughter, Violetta.
Irene, I will always remember your agility, your enthusiasm and your
zest for life. I will always remember you “YOUNG” as you never grew old, even
while passing the martyrdom of the pains of illness.
Give my warmest greetings to my "butterfly," Konstantina, and
to my parents. And kiss Mary and Peter for me.
Til we meet in the heavens,
My love,
Your niece,
Justine Frangouli-Argyris
