Irene (Botsolas) Lionikis, 90, of Colonia, NJ, passed away on December 16, 2017, surrounded by family. She was born in Perth Amboy on January 27, 1927 to the late John and Aphrodite (Economou) Botsolas.

Irene is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, George Lionikis; children George Lionikis Jr. and wife, Patti, of Edison NJ; Joan Tarkulich and husband, Bill, of Lexington, MA; Carol Angiola and husband, Frank, of Sayreville, NJ; Diane Ruth and husband, Tony, of East Brunswick, NJ; grandchildren Melissa and Mike Lionikis, Karen, Michelle and Suzanne Tarkulich, Frank and George Angiola, Amy Lynn, Laura, and Tony Ruth and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her sisters, Calliope Menedis (Peter) and Mary Sekas (Paul), and brothers, Philip Botsolas (Dorothy) and Christos Botsolas.

A first generation American, she was raised in Perth Amboy and then raised her family in Metuchen before moving to Colonia.  She graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1944.  In her early years, she worked in her family's luncheonette. She married George Lionikis in 1952 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Perth Amboy.

Irene was a devoted mother and loving grandmother who gave selflessly to her family and church. She was a lifelong member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church where she was an active volunteer and supporter.  She served on the Board of Trustees, as president of the Parent Teachers Organization, treasurer of the Philoptochos Society, and was a member of the Senior Citizens and Mr.& Mrs. clubs.  In her youth she was active in the Daughters of Penelope.  Irene also served on numerous church committees and was honored by the church as 'Mother of the Year'.

Irene immersed herself in family life; her joy was her family.  She was a proud homemaker, an excellent cook and exemplary hostess whose home was filled with great love and happiness that created strong family ties.  She valued education and enjoyed reading, spending time at the shore and Saturday night family card games.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8 pm at Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords, NJ.  The funeral service will be Thursday at 11 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 41 Wisteria Street, Perth Amboy, NJ.  Interment at Alpine Cemetery, Perth Amboy, NJ.