Irene B. (Baluszaitis) Giatrakos

Irene B. Giatrakos, 84, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, passed away on June 23, 2023 in Boston, with her loving daughters by her side. Irene (Renie, Nana) was born on May 23, 1939 in Boston, and grew up in both South Boston and on Capen Street in Dorchester. She married at the age of 16, to James Stratis and they had three children together - Chucky, Andrea and Jimmy. He passed away at the early age of 28, and she was a widow and mother of three at the age of 26. She leaned on her sisters and family members to help her through this challenging time of her life, for both her and her children. Irene met Tom Giatrakos - her husband of the last 52 years - at the age of 32, and had three of their own children - Tommy, Melina and Dina. She gracefully navigated the complexities of a blended family with love and compassion. She truly was the heart of the family.

Irene was an exceedingly kind and caring person who adored her family above all things. The love and dedication to the lives of her children and grandchildren, was impactful beyond measure. Mom (Nana) attended countless school functions and extracurricular activities that provided inspiration and unconditional support for her loved ones. Whether it was a concert, recital, banquet, show or athletic event, she would be there with a smile on her beautiful face, and an enthusiastic energy that was infectious. Irene loved the arts and always provided her children with opportunities to be a part of them. She loved to attend shows and dances, and filled her house with music and her piano playing and singing. Her affinity for the beach was well known, and she loved to sit in the sand and visit with her sisters and watch the kids and grandkids play near the water. She was one of six sisters, and her relationship with them was a guiding and powerful force in her life.

Irene worked at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain as a Recreational Therapist. She brought her vigor for life and her sweet demeanor to the residents, and provided them with music and activities that lifted their collective spirits and brightened their days. She loved going to work every day and having a meaningful and important position that helped people. Irene was married to Tom for the last 52 years of her life. They traveled together to Greece, Palm Springs, Myrtle Beach, Florida, Disney World, and North Carolina as a couple. Their favorite places to visit as a family, were Long Pond in Lakeville and sitting by the river in North Conway. Tom says that “Irene was the architect of his life and I owe everything to her. All that I am and have in this life is because of her.” He will never forget the moment he met the woman in the purple dress in 1971 that changed his life.

In addition to her loving husband Tom, Irene is survived by her six children: Chucky Stratis, Andrea Dimarzio, Jimmy Stratis, Tommy Giatrakos, Melina Giatrakos and Dina Giatrakos. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Michael, Anthony, Elizabeth, Nicole, James, Kyle, Aris, Kostas, Quincy, Kellen and Asiah; and three great-grandchildren: Emily, Noah and Charlie. She is also survived by her sisters, Felicia, Karen, Robin, Gina and Rhona.

Irene will have her ashes scattered at her beloved Castle Island. There will be a private 40-day service offered on Irene’s behalf at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 457 Oak St, Brockton, MA 02301.

**The 40-day service is offered with Holy Bread and Wheat, given by the family in honor of the deceased. It is the Eastern Orthodox belief that the soul of the deceased remains on Earth for 40 days.**