In Memory of Irene Mavromatis

In Memory of Irene: A Celebration of Strength and Love

Wednesday 9th Jul

For 15 remarkable years, Irene faced her health struggles with a courage and grace that inspired everyone around her. To me, she was the strongest woman I have ever known. Even in her darkest moments, her smile shone like a beacon of hope, lighting the way for all of us.

Irene’s life-changing journey began unexpectedly on June 25, 2012. While shopping in the city, she fainted without warning. After ten days of tests, the diagnosis hit us: pulmonary hypertension. Though there was no cure, it was manageable with medication. At that time, only one medication was available, and we were told that some patients might live for 10 to 20 years after diagnosis. Individual life expectancy varies based on the type and severity of the condition, as well as personal factors.

From that moment, we made significant lifestyle changes. Irene stepped away from work to concentrate on her health and care for our children. For a decade, she managed her condition, but eventually, the treatments began to fail, and her health deteriorated. The only avenue left was a double lung transplant at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

In a moment that felt miraculous, we received the call on September 27, 2021, at 11:45 PM: a perfect pair of lungs was ready for her. Early the next morning, we flew to Melbourne with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. By 5:30 AM, Irene was in the operating room, and after a grueling six-hour surgery, she emerged victorious.

By October 2, 2021, the support equipment (ECMO) was removed, and we were hopeful that she was on the road to recovery.

However, fate had more challenges in store. Within two years, Irene battled COVID twice, and complications set in. Unfortunately, she became too weak to be placed back on the transplant list.

Irene wasn’t just my wife; she was my best friend and partner in every aspect of life. Together, we created a home filled with love, warmth, and laughter. To our three amazing children Paul, Maria, and Sophie your mother adored you beyond measure. You were her greatest pride and joy. No matter the struggles she faced, you were always her top priority. Her illness may have tested her body, but it never touched her indomitable spirit.

Irene taught us the true meaning of resilience. She possessed a rare ability to find beauty in life’s simplest moments, to spread kindness to everyone she met, and to remind us that love is what truly matters. Through her smile, she gave us strength. Through her unwavering hope, she provided us with courage. And through her endless love, she taught us how to persevere, even when faced with the impossible.

Irene’s legacy continues to thrive within each of us, especially in Paul, Maria, and Sophie. She has shaped you into kind, compassionate, and strong individual’s qualities she embodied so beautifully. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her love and spirit remain alive. We will carry her lessons, laughter, and warmth in our hearts forever.

Let us honour her memory by living with the grace, courage, and hope she demonstrated every single day. Rest in peace, my love. You were, and will always be, our guiding light. Thank you for every moment, every smile, and all the cherished memories. We love you. We will hold onto your last words, "Go out, have fun, live your life," always reminding ourselves to embrace life as you did.

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