POURNARAS, IRENE

Longtime Hamden, CT resident Irene Bouzoucos Pournaras died peacefully early Sunday morning, December 2nd at the age of 93. After ninety two years of remarkably strong health, her gradual decline ended as Irene had wished, surrounded by family in her home.

Irene was born in New Haven, CT on July 29, 1925. She was the eldest child of George Bouzoucos and Alexandra Androutsos Bouzoucos, both deceased. Irene was also predeceased by her siblings, John Bouzoucos (aka Booth) of New York City, Theodore Bouzoucos (aka Booth) of Woodbridge, CT, and Eugenia (Nea) Bouzoucos Phillips of Stamford, CT, in addition to her former husband, Ulysses Pournaras of New York City.

Irene is survived by her three children and their families: Eleni Pournaras of York, PA, her husband Albert Blakey, their daughters Erini, Sophia, Daphne, and Sophia’s husband Edwin Cheung; Andreas Pournaras of Brooklyn, NY, his wife Dawn Nader and their son Odysseus; and Alexandra Pournaras of Barrington, RI, her husband Jim Caruso, and their children James Caruso, April Caruso, and James’ son Rex Caruso.

Irene graduated from Hill House High School in New Haven in 1944. She went on to attend the University of Connecticut in Storrs and the Katherine Gibbs school in Boston, MA. She returned to New Haven and began her career as an administrative assistant. In the late 1990’s, Irene retired after 30 years at Yale University, where she had worked most recently in the Department of Admissions. Prior to that she had worked in various Engineering and Applied Science departments and for the Master of Calhoun College.

Her joys in life were family, the outdoors, the church and learning. She picked up Yoga and Tai Chi in her eighties. Irene was a formidable gin rummy player, and an avid reader with broad interests. She devoured the news until the end, and paid close attention to world affairs. In addition, Irene was a die-hard fan of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team. Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm Street, New Haven, is assisting the family with arrangements. A wake will be held there on Friday, December 7th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Irene’s funeral will take place on Saturday, December 8th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook, Orange CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Adler Center - Attn: Kathy Maturo, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510; The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405: or St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, Ct 06477. To leave a condolence, please visit www. celentanofuneralhome.com