Iris Elena Xanthopoulos

Iris Elena Xanthopoulos, age 70, of Santa Rosa, California passed away on 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, intestitial pulmonary fibrosis. Iris was born in Troy, Alabama on May 17, 1939 to James Carl Bowden and Sara Edna (Nelson) Bowden. She had one deceased sister, Doris Horton of Madison, Alabama. Iris has many childhood friends living in Alabama. Her group of friends call themselves the "Graceful Grannies". She was married to Philip Xanthopoulos on December 31, 1977 in New Berlinville, Pennsylvania. Over the past thirty four years, Iris was a tireless fund raiser who dedicated her time to the Heart Association, The American Cancer Society and various other charitable and service clubs. Iris lived in Troy, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida in her youth. She was married to Dennis Greulich and traveled with him to various over seas assignments with his work. After her divorce and remarriage to Philip Xanthopoulos, she lived in Pottstown and New Berlinville, Pennsylvania. They moved to Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach Florida where they were residents for seventeen years. When work took Philip to New Your City, they moved to Scotch Planes, New Jersey. Iris and Philip were transferred to Venice Florida and then back again to New York City. As a manager, her husband was transferred frequently and they moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 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 Oklahoma and Lisa Nelson Hubbard of Niceville Florida; and two step children, Philip Xanthopoulos, Jr. of Barto Pennsylvania and Sherri Lynne Xanthopoulos-Russo of Royersford Pennsylvania. 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 internment 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.