Irene Markestein Obituary

Irene Markestein
1929 - 2021
Irene passed away peacefully from Alzheimer's Disease on July 31, 2021. Irene was born on March 16, 1929, in New York City, to Greek immigrant parents Angelo and Katherine (Vilias) Theoharis. She graduated from George Washington High School, New York City, 1946. She studied ballet at the Ballet Arts studio in Carnegie Hall, was a receptionist, taught ballet to beginners, and was in an Off-Broadway musical. In 1954 she went to France to study ballet. Aboard the American-Holland ship she met Johannes Dirk Markestein who was returning to Holland after attending a flight school in Texas. He was in the Dutch Air Force and later became a commercial pilot for Pan Am Airlines. Johannes "Hans" and Irene married in 1954. Irene taught ballet in Rotterdam, Holland in 1955. After Hans's death in 1968, Irene was the soul parent to three children. Irene graduated from Santa Rosa Jr. College in 1969, and attended a study abroad program in France, 1970-1971. She graduated from Sonoma State University in 1971 with a dual major in English and French. Irene lived in Glen Ellen for 41 years. She was a substitute teacher at Altimira Jr. High and Sonoma Valley High School. She taught English as a second language to adults at Altimira Night School, 1985-2010. She was raised Greek Orthodox and converted to LDS. She enjoyed reading a good book, painting, daily walks, and traveling abroad, visiting 26 countries, 1993-2004. She visited family in New York annually and was fluent in many languages. Irene volunteered her time at the Sonoma Family History Center, was part owner of Parties Unlimited Catering Service, and had a great sense of humor and generous heart. Irene will be missed by many friends and family. Preceded in death: Johannes Dirk Markestein (husband), Helen Theoharis (sister.) Survived by children: Winona Petersen, (Gary), Dirk Markestein, (Lari), Matthew Markestein. grandchildren: Devin (Carlee), Dirk Jr, Michael, Molly Markestein and Blake Petersen, great-grand-children: Hadelynn, Ava, Jackson, Alex Markestein, best friend: Jan Riesterer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16280 La Grama Dr. Sonoma, CA. 95476 on November 6, 2021 at 11 am. Please wear Irene's favorite color: blue.