Posted on November 3, 2026
Irene Katsares, 77, of Pickerington and formerly of Warren, passed away on Thursday
morning, October 22, 2026, at Canal Winchester Rehab Center in Winchester, Ohio.
Irene was born on September 26, 1949, in Warren, Ohio, a daughter of Steven and Helen
(Flizanes) Katsares. A proud 1968 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School,
Irene went on to build a successful and admirable career with JCPenney, where she
dedicated 47 loyal and hardworking years of service before enjoying a well-deserved
retirement.
A pioneer in her field, Irene was one of the few women working in technical support
during the 1970s, a time when women were rarely represented in the industry. Through
her determination, intelligence, and strong work ethic, she helped pave the way for others
while earning the respect of those who worked alongside her. Irene approached her career
with dedication and perseverance, qualities that reflected the strength of her character and
the pride she took in everything she did.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Irene’s Greek Orthodox faith was an
important and enduring part of her life. She was a longtime member of St. Demetrios
Greek Orthodox Church in Warren and later became involved with Assumption Greek
Orthodox Church in Springfield, where she generously volunteered during the church
festival. Irene was deeply proud of her Greek heritage and never forgot her roots. Her
faith, traditions, and cultural identity remained close to her heart, providing a meaningful
connection to her family and community throughout her life.
Wherever Irene went, she made her presence known. She was a natural leader with a
strong personality, a confident spirit, and a willingness to become involved in the things
that mattered to her. She valued friendship, community, and staying active, becoming a
member and then Vice President of the Violet Township Women’s League in 2016 and
member of the Pickerington Senior Center that same year. Through these organizations,
Irene continued to build friendships, participate in community life, and share the
enthusiasm and determination that made her so memorable.
Above all else, Irene’s family was her greatest source of happiness. Although she never
had children of her own, she embraced her role as an aunt with tremendous love and
devotion. Her nieces and nephews were like her own children, and she treasured the
special relationships she shared with each of them. She was deeply grateful for her family
and the joy they brought into her life. Her love extended to the next generation as well,
and her great-nieces and great-nephews held a special place in her heart. The bonds she
shared with them were among her most cherished blessings, and the memories they
created together will remain a lasting source of comfort and love.
Irene will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her brothers, John (Paula)
Katsares of Columbus and Michael (Tami) Katsares of Cortland; her nieces and nephews,
Helene Garretson, Cathy Dickman, Tony (Amy) Cutsuries, Johnny Katsares, Christopher
(Kiesha) Katsares, Noelle (Nick) Halkides, and Nicholas (Samantha) Katsares; and her
beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, Brock, Olivia, Athena, Maddie, Thomas,
Anthony, Gabriella, Areia, Yianna, and Bailey.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her sister, Olivia Cutseries.
Irene’s life was one of dedication, faith, pride in her heritage, and unwavering love for her
family. She broke barriers in her professional life, remained steadfast in her beliefs, and
embraced the people and communities that made her life meaningful. Her strong spirit
and unmistakable presence will not soon be forgotten. Though her passing leaves a deep
sadness in the hearts of those who loved her, the legacy she leaves behind will live on
through the family she cherished, the friendships she cultivated, and the many lives she
touched along the way.
May Irene’s memory be eternal, and may she rest in the loving embrace of our Lord.
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Irene on Friday, November 6, 2026 from
10 am to 11:30 am at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel.
A funeral service will follow on Friday at 12 pm at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox
Church, 429 High St. NE, Warren, OH 44481, with the Rev. Constantine Valantasis
presiding.
Entombment will follow at All Souls Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Irene’s name to St. Demetrios Greek
Orthodox Church, 429 High St. NE, Warren, OH 44481.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send
condolences to Irene’s family.
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