Irene Kosmetatos

It is with full hearts and beautiful memories that we celebrate the extraordinary life of Irene Kosmetatos who died peacefully, at the age of 91 on August 21st, 2025, surrounded by love and the echoes of laughter and music that followed her wherever she went.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Nick and Mary Rodis, immigrants from Greece, Irene grew up in the country with a competitive streak and a gleam in her eye. An exceptional athlete, she channeled the love of sports and strength into a career as a beloved physical education teacher, inspiring generations of students to love and play all sports - but especially to run track, swim, play volleyball and dance.

She was a woman of many talents and joys: she loved golf, watching movies in a big theater, musicals, never said no to a poker night, and watched hours of football cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers. She absolutely loved dancing. She danced through life — literally and figuratively — finding rhythm in the everyday and spreading joy with every step. She had an infectious laugh, a sparkle in her eye, and blew kisses to everyone she loved. She lived effortlessly in the moment.

But perhaps her greatest superpower was as a mother and friend. She was her daughter’s constant source of love, strength, wisdom and encouragement. To know her was to feel truly seen and valued. She had the rare gift of making anyone in her orbit feel like the most important person in the room. Her glass was always half-full — and if yours wasn’t, she’d gladly pour some of hers into it. She always saw the best in people.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Mary Rodis, her beloved sister Sue Savas, her husband Jerry Kosmetatos and her partner later in life, Herb Silverstein. She is survived by her daughter, Maria Kosmetatos and brothers John and George Rodis. She was Noni to her goddaughters Stephanie Slamar and Elaine Wade and Thea Noni to many nieces and nephews. And, of course, she was an amazing friend to a wide, beautiful circle of dancers, golfers, singers, sports lovers and poker pals who forever carry her spirit and her relentless positivity in their hearts. She now reunites with those she loved and missed, surely organizing a dance party or a card game wherever she’s gone.

A celebration of her joyful, vibrant life will be held on Friday, September 5th at Green Hills Chapel/Cemetery. In keeping with her spirit, we invite guests to wear something celebratory (she loved to dress up!) bring a memory, and maybe practice a dance move or two.