Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 19, 2025

CHARLOTTE – With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and yiayia, Ηρώ Αντονοπούλου Κόσκίνα (Iro Antonopoulou Koskinas), who passed away peacefully at the age of 90, on Friday, December 19, 2025.

She was born on July 17, 1935, in Karpenisi, Evrytania, Greece, the fourth of five children to Nikolaos and Maria Antonopoulos.  In 1962, she immigrated to the United States as a young bride, married to her devoted husband, Sam, in search of opportunity and a better future.  She proudly became a naturalized United States citizen, embracing her new country while remaining deeply rooted in her Greek heritage.

When she arrived in the United States, she brought with her a treasure chest “baoulo” filled with the handiwork of her youth including needle work, embroidery, handmade tablecloths and napkins and doilies.

Iro assimilated into her new environment by teaching herself English and learning to drive.  She was a woman of action—a doer—who accomplished whatever she set her mind to with quiet strength, resilience, and determination.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home.  She had a deep love for cooking and baking and took great joy in watching the Food Network.  Her family and friends were fortunate to enjoy the countless recipes she lovingly prepared and receiving a cookbook from one of her favorite chefs was always a treasured gift.  She was equally talented in needlepoint, creating numerous pieces which she proudly displayed in her home as well as knitting countless blankets for her children and grandchildren, each made with love.

Her faith in the Greek Orthodox Church was steadfast and guided her life.  She thrived in Charlotte alongside her loving koumbari, dear friends, and her spiritual home at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, building a life grounded in faith, generosity, and community.

She was very active in Philoptochos, Daughters of Evrytania, Daughters of Penelope, and Greek School, dedicating her time and energy to preserving the Greek heritage and helping others.

Iro is survived by her loving children, Aphrodite Koskinas and fiancé, Terry Lardakis, George Koskinas and wife, Vickie, and her cherished grandchildren, Chrysa, Nicholas, Nicole, and Sam, who were the great joys of her life, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Sam; brothers, Kosta, Aleko and Theofilos, and her sister, Ivi.

Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the Greek traditions she preserved, the skills she passed down, and the love she shared through everything she made. She will be remembered for her strength, creativity, devotion to family, unwavering faith and her zest for life.

We want to thank Dr. Peter Copsis for the extraordinary medical care he provided for our mom. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to Anna Nixon, Rita Glenn, Roula Zaganas, Elenore Khoury and Ashley Terry who provided gentile care to our mother over the past few years.  The love, care and companionship they provided will be forever appreciated by our family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Iro to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 or Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park, 124 Jim Parker Drive, Monroe, NC 28110.

May her memory be eternal.
Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.