This is a short story of the life of our wonderful mother Irene (Anastasiou) Karidias born November 21, 1937, on the small Greek island of Leros and who passed on into glorious eternity April, 20 2023 in Myrtle Beach South Carolina with her beloved husband Angelo Karidias by her side. Her life started in very poor and difficult humble circumstances in Greece. It was in the period of World War II and life on the small island of Leros was harsh. Irene and her younger sister Effie at times had to eat discarded potato skins just to survive. At about the age of 6 six or 7 seven, Irene's mother Flora sent her away to live with her maternal grandmother and namesake Irene. Her grandmother was not the best fit for taking care of little Irene, so after a few months she was sent to live with her uncle George and Aunt Xrysoi. Her stay with her uncle and aunt was not much better. And at times treated harshly and without affection or care. She then was sent to live with other extended family members that were much more loving towards little Irene. But do to the desperate and difficult times in that era, Irene was not afforded the opportunity for any sort of an education. She grew up not knowing how to read or write and had no basic math or life skills.

At the age of 18 eighteen Irene and her sister Effie just 15 fifteen were sent to America by their mother Flora, on the SS QUEEN FREDERICA Ocean liner where they landed in New York's harbor.

At that point their father Stamatis (Tom) who had preceded them to America for a better life was living in Detroit Michigan. Their father who was a very abusive alcoholic, had on one occasion come home so inebriated that he scared both his young daughters to nearby neighbors. They remained with their neighbors until their mother Flora was alerted and came to America herself to rescue her two young daughters from his abuse.

Having no resources and nowhere to live, Flora contacted her brother John Kaminaris who had already immigrated to America and established his own business in Baltimore Maryland. John sent for them and invited them to live with his already growing family of a wife and four children of their own. There row home was located in the Greek-town section of East Baltimore.

In time Irene's aunt Barbara Kaminaris had decided to play match maker with her friend Hariot Vorias and set a paring between Hariot's younger brother Angelo Karidias and Irene. Angelo was still in Greece as a merchant marine and hatched a plan to escape his service to the Greek fleet once landing in the port of Baltimore where his sister Hariot had already established roots with her husband Steve Vorias.

So, Angelo and Irene met and after a very short courtship were wed on March 15, 1959 in Baltimore. Planting their own roots in Greek-town, they wasted no time starting their own family. Having their daughter Mary later that December of 1959. Four years later in 1965 came their son Vasilios (Bill) and in 1969 their daughter Flora was born.

By 1970, Angelo having established a solid career working at the General Motors plant in Baltimore, moved to the northeast section of the city called Hamilton. There Irene lived and cherished her children in their most formidable and tender years.

She was a very doting and loving mother to her own children and countless other children that she baby sat for. She became the go to mom for taking care of other children as well. From other neighbors' children to other family members. Other moms would want to send their children to Ms. Irene because she did not tolerate misbehaving children and would straighten out any problem child with here firm loving ways. She was kinda the "dog whisperer" for children.

Everyone loved Ms. Irene. And Ms. Irene loved everyone she would come into contact with. She had a loving soul and touch about her. When she would rub your arm or hand as she would often do while talking to you, you would feel the love of her savior pour through her touch. She was truly and simply a kind woman. Irene wanted to make everyone around her feel loved. Maybe it had to do with the lack of love and affection she was not afforded as a child. Or maybe it was just God's gift of love he equipped her with to share with us mere mortals around her. In either case anyone who knew her would tell you that their lives were richer and fuller because of knowing her.

Her other most prolific gift was her own self-taught art of elaborate knitting and crocheting. In her lifetime she blessed most every friend and family member and their newborn babies with an amazing works of art. From scarfs, blankets, sweaters, hats and gloves. To baby booty's, mittens and body suits. These baby outfits have now been passed down through several generations.

In her later years Irene and Angelo moved to Hanover Pennsylvania to be near their eldest daughter Mary and their two grandchildren Anisa and Omeed. After about 20 twenty some odd years they moved near their son Bill in Bel Air Maryland once Mary decided to move to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. In time however, YiaYia Irene missed her great granddaughter and the comfort of her weekly visits with her grandchildren and moved to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. This is where she would find her final resting days unit she passed on April 20, 2023.

Now this date has great significance in Irene's life. Not only was this her beloved mother Flora's birthday, but it was also the date she had immigrated to the United States on April 20, 1956.

So ends the life and legacy of Irene (Anastasiou) Karidias. A woman who left this world with more love in it then the way she found it. May she live forever in eternal glory in the presence of the almighty creator of all things.

Irene was the loving wife of Angelo Karidias; devoted mother of Mary Karidias, Bill Karidias and Flora Stewart; mother in law to Felicia Karidias and Karim Ehteshami;  cherished grandmother of Matthew Stewart, Donte Knight, Carly Grayson, Christian and Caleb Karidias, Anisa and Omeed Ehteshami; great grandmother of Layla Stewart and Aleeya Karidias; sister of Effie Cardiges, Pete Makris, Jimmy Makris and Nick Makris.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 , at St. Demetrios Greek Church , 2504 Cub Hill Rd, Parkville, MD 21234 beginning at 11:00 A.M. with visitation prior from 10-11 A.M. Interment will be in St. Demetrious Church Cemetery.