Iris Elena Xanthopoulos

1939 - 2011

Iris Elena Xanthopoulos, age 70, of Santa Rosa, Calif., passed away May 7, 2010, in the arms of her loving husband and children. They were at her side at the time of her death. Iris was in the hospital for a month before she passed away. Iris died from interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.
Iris was born in Troy, Ala., on May 17, 1939, to James Carl Bowden and Sara Edna (Nelson) Bowden. She had one deceased sister, Doris Horton of Madison, Ala. Iris has many childhood friends living in Alabama. Her group of friends call themselves the "Graceful Grannies." She was married to Philip Xanthopoulos on Dec. 31, 1977, in New Berlinville, Pa. Over the past 34 four years Iris was a tireless fundraiser who dedicated her time to the Heart Association, The American Cancer Society and various other charitable and service clubs. Iris lived in Troy, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla., in her youth.
She was married to Dennis Greulich and traveled with him to various overseas assignments with his work. After her divorce and remarriage to Philip Xanthopoulos she lived in Pottstown and New Berlinville, Pa. They moved to Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where they were residents for 17 years. When work took Philip to New York City they moved to Scotch Plaines, N.J. Iris and Philip were transferred to Venice, Fla., and then back again to New York City. As a manager, her husband was transferred frequently and they moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., in 2001. Iris and Philip moved to Santa Rosa in 2006 and have lived there until today.
Iris is survived by her adoring and devoted husband, Philip Xanthopoulos. She had two children, K. Ray Greulich of Mannford, Okla., and Lisa Nelson Hubbard of Niceville, Fla.; and two stepchildren, Philip Xanthopoulos Jr. of Barto, Pa., and Sherri Lynne Xanthopoulos-Russo of Royersford, Pa. She had eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Iris was an organ donor and has been cremated. She requested that there would not be a viewing or formal burial service. As such, there will not be a burial or interment ceremony. Iris has specified where her ashes will be dispersed. She also loved her pet dogs and has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the local ASPCA or Humane Society in her name.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference."

Iris was an astonishing woman who enriched many lives, taught many lessons, and commanded a room; she had an extraordinary ability to bring love to the home with food, fun and music. Many a person has been touched by her gifts, and she will not be forgotten to us, but held in our hearts and in our stories for all time.