Irene Vodantis Lafakis

She is preceded in death by her devoted and beloved husband of 46 years, Pete Theodore Lafakis, parents, Father, Christodoulos John Vodantis, Mother, Maria Bratsis Vodantis, and an infant child, Eleni Lafakis. She is survived by her son Chris Lafakis (Despina) and grandson Zachary; daughter Argie Maria Borders (Charles) and granddaughter Mary Irini, sister Despina Vodantis, Sister-In-Law Sophia Lafakis Petrou, Mother-In-Law Roula Lafakis, beloved cousins from Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, Florida, New York, nephews, godchildren and extended family in Greece.

She was a graduate of Fairfield High School and the University of Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education and a Masters of Arts. She began her teaching career at John Carroll High School, teaching English and Debate. She later taught gifted children in the Excellence Program within the Birmingham Public School system. She retired from teaching to raise her two children. Irene’s greatest pride and joy was being a mother to her two children.

She was an accomplished writer. She authored “Gladsome Rose”, a book of bereavement and faith, and wrote several articles that were published by the National Herald and the Hellenic Voice, both of which are Greek-American newspapers. She was the author of the History of the Holy-Trinity Holy-Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham.

Irene was strong in her faith and conviction to the Lord. She was a humble person, kind and loving mother, and a friend to all. She loved everyone that she knew and lived her life to the fullest with joy in her heart. She saw the good in everyone, and you could always find her with a smile on her face. She exuded a loving, optimistic, and sunny disposition. She never met a stranger, was unselfish, thoughtful, and caring.

A Trisagion prayer service with visitation will be held at 10 a.m. and the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 14 at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 307 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL with interment at Elwood Cemetery. A Makaria memorial meal will be held at the Cathedral immediately following the interment.

Officiating is His Grace Bishop Sebastianos of Zelon, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, Reverend Father Gregory Edwards, PhD and Dean of the Cathedral, Very Reverend Father Paul Costopoulos, Dean Emeritus, Reverend Father Micah Hirschy, Ephemerios. The family extends its gratitude to all its family and friends who offered their unyielding support during this difficult time. The family also appreciates all of the doctors, specialists and healthcare professionals who provided her with great care and comfort throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Pete and Irene Lafakis Athletic Scholarship Fund at the Cathedral.