Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 16, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Irene Evangelatos, 96, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, February 16, 2022.  She was born December 21, 1925 in Klavsion, Evrytania, Greece, to the late George and Hersanthe Hamberis Kiritsis.

Irene lived in Klavsion with her brother, three sisters, mother and grandmother. Her father worked in America to support the family.  During the German occupation of Greece, the village of “Klapsi” was set on fire.  Irene’s home was one of the few that survived.  The family immediately opened up their home to their friends and neighbors.  Irene, along with other women, was captured by the Greek Guerilla Army and forced to serve in their Army.  Possessed by a strong will, Irene escaped from the Guerillas and returned home to her family.

After the war, Irene and her family moved to Lamia.  There she met and married Angelo Evangelatos in 1949.  They remained in Greece until 1955 when they came to America in pursuit of a better life.  The couple lived in Hendersonville, NC, and operated 5 Points Restaurant with her family.  In 1965, Irene and her family moved to Asheville, NC where they owned several restaurants.  The last one they owned before they retired was “Dennis’ Deli” on Merriman Avenue, which was a popular local restaurant.

Irene was an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville. She was proud to make the Prosforo on Sundays for the Divine Liturgy.  Her happiest times came from volunteering to serve her church in any capacity that was needed.  Irene was a 60-year member of The Ladies Philoptochos Society and served on their Board for many years.  She was an active member of The Daughters of Penelope and The Daughters of Evrytania.  In 2013, Irene moved to Charlotte to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Georgia Andrews and her husband, George of Charlotte; granddaughters, Renee Tsefrikas and her husband, John of Waxhaw and Julie Andrews of Charlotte; great-grandchildren, Leah Tsefrikas, Lexie Tsefrikas Drew Tsefrikas all of Waxhaw.  Also surviving are her sisters, Bessie Nickolopoulos of Hendersonville, NC and Helen Poulos of Florence, SC; cousin, Nicky Bakis of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Stella Kiritsis of Holiday, FL, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo; sister, Dena Zogzas and brother, Dennis Kiritsis.

The family would like to thank Candice White and Takoya Watkins for the loving care they gave Irene.  They are both angels.

Funeral services for Irene will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with Fr. Johnathan Resmini officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/165729/457c79a80e for those unable to attend in person. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Irene to the Agia Elpis Philoptochos Society or Panagia Prousiotissa – Elatos Park, in care of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.