Irene Virginia (Mellen) Benno

Irene Virginia Benno passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of December 20, 2022.  She was 100 years old. Irene is survived by her son Thomas and his wife Terri of Oak Park, Illinois, and her daughter Elaine Otto and her husband Richard of Cumberland, RI. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Amanda, Kate and her husband Juan, Diana and her husband Jim, Andrew and his wife Jennifer, Van and his wife Siobhan, Wyatt and his wife Kaori, Alexandra and her husband Seth, and Emma. In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Vangel.

Irene was born in Everett, MA on October 14, 1922. Her parents were Chris E. Mellen and Evangeline (Kuruby) Mellen, who passed when she was eleven. She was also predeceased by her older sister, Panagiota, who died in infancy. Her father remarried Georgia (Agianidis), with whom she developed a long lasting loving relationship. She moved to Roslindale, MA and was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Boston. She graduated from Roslindale High School and enlisted in the WAVES (Women Accepted as Volunteer Emergency Serviceworkers) during World War II.

Irene was stationed in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She and Van were married at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Boston on May 8, 1949. They were active in all aspects of church life, Irene being a member of Philoptochos, volunteering for many activites, and both frequent members of Bible studies throughout the years. She was a homemaker who devoted her time to her family, including her six brothers, one sister, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Irene's Funeral Service will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Boston on Tuesday, December 27th. at 11 a.m. Visitation in the Cathedral beginning at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. The Funeral Services will be live-streamed from the Annunciation Cathedral’s website through Facebook or YouTube. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England, the Metropolis of Boston Camp, or Hellenic College/Holy Cross.

Irene will be laid to rest with her beloved Vangel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England
514 Parker St., Roxbury MA 02120
Tel: 1-617-731-6633
Web: http://www.bostoncathedral.org/

Helenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
50 Goddard Ave, Brookline MA 02445

Metropolis of Boston Camp
329 Camp Merrimack Road, Contoocook NH 03229