Irene Kalavros Valdez

IRENE’S OBITUARY 

Irene Kalavros Valdez, a 61 year resident of Las Vegas, died peacefully at home on April 8, 2024 with her husband by her side.  She was 84.  Born in Gary, Indiana, Irene was the eldest daughter of Greek immigrants from the Island of Kalymnos. Highly intelligent and naturally curious, she was able to converse on virtually any subject – economics (Keynesian), history, science, politics, art, and travel.  Irene loved music.  She played the piano and the flute, and she especially enjoyed R&B – The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Spinners, and Aretha.  An avid basketball fan, she was a Runnin’ Rebels season ticket holder when the Shark Tank was the best show in town.  Later, she cheered for the Milwaukee Bucks (Giannis!)  Although she could have mastered any profession, education was her calling, and she served as a classroom teacher for 40 years.  When the Clark County School District was required to take steps to integrate its schools in the early 1970’s, Irene elected to teach at a sixth grade center to do her part to diversify classrooms in Clark County.  “Reach for what you cannot” is what she would tell her students.  She is preceded in death by both of her parents, Dr. Mikes Kalavros and Mrs. Helen Leas Kalavros, her cousins Nick Hard, David Leas and Rebecca Harrell (John).  She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jesus Felix Valdez, her son Patrick Felix Valdez (Chris), her sister Thelma Kalavros Rosenfeld (Fred), her niece Alexandra Rosenfeld Lee (William), and her cousins Kathleen Hard, Stephen Leas (Claudia) and Jacklyn Ringhausen (John).  Irene’s viewing will be held on April 21, 2024 at 10:00 am, at Davis Funeral Home 6200 South Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas Nevada 89119.  Her service and burial will be held on April 22, 2024 promptly at 10:40am, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City Nevada 89005.  Irene’s service will be officiated by Fr. John Hondros of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.  Reception to follow.  Irene was loved by her family.