Irene (Paul) Theodore

Irene Paul Theodore, 89, fell asleep in the Lord, surrounded by family, on February 21, 2022, just weeks shy of her milestone birthday. Irene and her loving husband Ted were married just short of 70 years.
Irene was born in Cleveland to the late Charles and Clara Paul and predeceased by brothers Harry and Robert Paul. After graduating from West Tech High School, she obtained her BA in Education from Baldwin-Wallace College and her MA from Western Reserve University. Irene taught in the Berea, Parma, & Wickliffe Schools, retiring in 1993.
Irene received an Outstanding Educator Award from BW and the prestigious Martha Holden Jennings Award at Wickliffe. Over the years, she received hundreds of letters from former students, thanking and complimenting her for making a difference in their lives. She loved her 30 years of teaching with a passion.
Irene was active in both Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cleveland Hts. and Annunciation, Akron parishes. Her ministries included serving as President of the Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor), Parish Council, and Sunday School faculty. She instituted the Church Bookstore, the highly successful Flea Market at the Greek Festival, and Orthodox Forum. She was a tireless worker, a compassionate Christian, and a role model for many. One of her most favorite places to be, from age 12 on was singing in the church choir, from the "loft." The choir loft is where Ted first noticed and admired Irene from afar and committed in his heart to marry her, and this is where she sang her heart out during Liturgy during her last day on earth.
Along with her husband Ted she directed the first Diocese Summer Camp where they promoted the faith, shared their immense creativity, and helped campers and counselors alike form lifetime bonds. They founded the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) which provides millions of dollars in aid throughout the world. Irene was to receive the Metropolis of Pittsburgh St. Photios Award this spring for her lifelong efforts as a volunteer.
Irene felt a deep desire to engage, learn about, and make a difference for others. She never met a stranger, they were just friends she hadn't met yet. She along with her husband of nearly 70 years, Ted, had traveled to 7 Olympic games, sharing their love of people and sport.
In addition to her husband, Irene leaves her four children Helene (Fr. Jerry) Hall, Claire (Fr. Chris) Foustoukos, T.J. (Amanda), and Scott (Sophia), grandchildren Mark, Scott (Kira), Jerry (Laura), and Luke (Sarah) Hall; Pete (Maddie) Foustoukos; David (Abigail), Matthew, and Anna Theodore; Lexi, Steven, Tiffany, and Christopher Theodore, along with four great-grandchildren Ethan, Elliana, Levi, and Theo Hall.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Feb. 27, from 3-6 pm at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St. in Akron, where a Trisagion will take place at 5 pm. A funeral service will take place on Monday, Feb. 28, at 9:30 am at the church. Interment will follow at St. Theodosius Orthodox Cemetery in Brooklyn, OH. In lieu of flowers, direct contributions in Irene's memory to Annunciation Orthodox Church, St. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, or Baldwin-Wallace University to the Irene and Ted Theodore Scholarship Fund. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, AKRON)