Charlene C. Ioannou

Charlene C. Ioannou (née Conner), of  St. Louis, MO, ascended home into the awaiting hands of Jesus on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Cherished wife of the late Simos Ioannou, devoted mother of Kathy Ioannou and the late Teddy Ioannou. Also, an adored mom and grandma to her four-legged family Mr. Miyagi, Bull, Moose and River.

Charlene was a woman ahead of her time, earning a BA with a Major in English from Arkansas College in 1957. Principles of faith were a cornerstone of her life and she lived life by simple terms –be kind to others and love thy neighbor. She even adopted many neighbors as family over the years.

Though Charlene treasured her solitude, she lit up anytime someone came for a visit. She held  a great passion for bargain shopping and garage sales – always excited to share her finds with others by gifting them something. Giving to others always brought her great joy.

Charlene held a deep love and reverence for all animals with a special fondness for kitties. Her love also extended to the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming completely immersed watching  their games. In fact, during gametime, conversations had to wait. Especially, when she was writing down the lineup on her Steno Pad. A retired church secretary after 30 years of service, she still always had a Steno Pad at the ready for notes and often did so in shorthand.

Cherished daughter of the late Everett and Margie Conner. Charlene was also preceded in death by her, her two sisters, the late Helen (Reno) Sotiriou, Mary Lou (Robert) Doom, and three brothers, the late Larry Conner, Don Conner, and Lewis Conner; her sister-in-law, the late Petroula (Kyriakos) Papademetriou, and her brother-in-law the late Christakis Ioannou (Kitty).

Beloved Greek aunt of Michael (Cathey) Papademetriou, Irene (Chryssis) Papaleontiou, Stathis (Monica) Papademetriou and the late Katrina (Akis) Charalambides, Evan (Katie) Sotiriou, Deme (Bryan) Behrmann; Beloved American aunt of John (Mei) Doom, David (Teri) Doom, Jim Doom, Robert (Jeri) Doom, Gene, Chuck and Dale Conner, Yvonne Etchison, Kelley (Marty) Conner, Darren Conner; and great-nieces and nephews

Charlene was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers . . . continue Charlene’s legacy of love by supporting any of the non-profit organizations that were near and dear to her heart. 

Donations in memory of Charlene can be made to any of following (listed in alphabetical order):  

Butterfly House – Memorial Donation Link 

The Butterfly House is home to thousands of live tropical butterflies. Making a community impact through education, promoting environmental stewardship, conservation efforts and public enjoyment. On mission to foster a greater understanding of the plant, animal and human relationship in order to promote the conservation and restoration of natural habitats.

JoyFM St. Louis – Memorial Donation Link 

INSTRUCTIONS:  In the comments section at the end of the form type “Donation in Memory of Charlene Ioannou” 

JoyFM is a 100% listener supported music radio station on mission to encourage, unite community, bring love, hope and joy to help uplift and heal the world.
 

Ronald McDonald House Charities - St. Louis – Memorial Donation Link 

On mission to provide a home-away-from-home to families of seriously ill children in the hospital/treatment and support to organizations that serve the needs of children.

When the Saints Mission – Memorial Donation Link 

On mission to put an end to the sexual exploitation of children – to heal both the oppressed, the oppressor and change future generations to come via love, education and greater understanding.

Feel free to have notification of your donation(s) mailed to Kathy Ioannou at Butterfly Rising Productions, LLC, 12014 Old Saint Charles Road, Bridgeton MO 63044 or via email 2wingsup@att.net