Irene Spanos Botop

She was born in Manchester on December 21, 1918 to Stergios and Maria (Detsios) Spanos. From an early age, Irene was passionate about learning. She always wanted to be a teacher and years after she graduated from Central High School she embarked on that dream and became a member of the first graduating class at Notre Dame College. She then went on to receive her Master's Degree in Speech Education from Boston University.

Irene began her teaching career at Hooksett Village School. From there she moved on to Jewett School and later to Memorial High School where she taught English and ultimately became a guidance counselor. She retired in 1984 and over the years has continued to receive notes of appreciation from students whose lives were changed by her caring and encouragement. She was a member of the MEA and the ADK Honorary Society.

She was a past president and secretary of the Daughters of Penelope, a member of the Women's NOA Club and the Anagenesis Society. She loved to knit and socialize and did so for years at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral with the "Tuesday knitting group". She helped out at Glendi for many years making loukoumathes with the Garos sisters.

Her hobbies included furniture refinishing, oil painting, needlepoint and knitting. She had a passion for books and music, was an avid reader, loved to do crossword puzzles and eagerly awaited the daily Cryptoquip. She loved technology and was usually the first in the house to purchase the newest gadget or latest invention.

Irene's greatest love was being with family. She was happily married for 70 years to John J. Botop, who passed away in October. She particularly enjoyed the time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she was happy to indulge with kindness and generosity. She was happiest of all on those occasions when all the family was together.

Her family includes two children: Jay Botop, his wife Barbara, of Pensacola, FL; Maria Seavey, her husband Russell, of Manchester; four grandchildren: Dr. Jonathan Seavey, his wife Dr. Michelle Seavey of Columbia, MD; Zachary Seavey, his wife Susie of Manchester; Jason Botop, Esq., his wife Sherry-Lea of Portsmouth; and Krista Schueler, her husband, Mark of Navarre, FL. Irene was especially proud of her four great grandchildren, Preston, Piper, Fiona and Greyson Seavey, and her two step great grandchildren, Brendan and Dominic. She is also survived by her niece, Stephanie Spanos Honan, her husband Danny; her nephew, Sturgess Spanos, her grand- nephew Arnaud Spanos, and numerous cousins in Greece. She was predeceased by her younger brother, James S. Spanos and beloved sister-in-law Amy Paras Spanos.

Irene also leaves behind her "extended" Hampton Beach family, including the Parise-Kilduff family, Jeff Houston, Jennifer McMillan and Rob Roy MacGregor.

Her parents named her Irene, meaning "peace", pursuant to the armistice a month before her birth in 1918; in her life, she has fulfilled the promise of her name.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester. Fr. Andrew Mahalares officiated. Committal prayers followed at Pine Grove Cemetery, Calef Road, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Greater Manchester Hellenic Scholarship Fund, c/o St. George Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester, NH 03104

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester assisted the family with arrangements.