Irene Pierides Christou, 88, fell asleep in the arms of the Lord Monday, January 1, 2024. Born in Kaimakli, Cyprus, she was the daughter of Pieris and Pandellou Pierides. Irene came to America in February 1953 where she met her late husband Michael. Irene and Michael planted ­­­­­­their roots in Hampton, Virginia with their two sons Chris and John. Irene went on to help her son Chris manage many successful restaurants where she found joy in meeting and interacting with her everyday customers.

Among many things, Irene enjoyed gardening and cooking. Many friends could count on Irene filling their pantries every holiday with her famous Greek pastries. Irene wouldn't just cook for her family and friends, she also loved to teach and pass on her knowledge of Greek cuisine. Irene was an active member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and a longtime member of the Philoptochos Society as well as Daughters of Penelope.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Michael Christou. Irene leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Chris Christou and John Christou; brother, Costakis Pierides; sisters, Georgia Zaphiris and Adamandia Kalogeropoulos; grandson, Michael Christou and granddaughter, Melina Christou.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Rd, Newport News, VA 23606 with the Trisagion Service at 4:00 PM. The funeral will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, January 8 at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Newport News with interment to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News click here to donate or the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation click here to donate .

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton. www.rhaydensmith.com.