Irene Anna Kaufman

Irene Anna Kaufman was welcomed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on April 4, 2026.

Born on February 8, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, Irene was the youngest child of Nicholas and Bessie Nakos and spent her entire life in the Toledo area. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Louis, Peter, Harry (Marie) and sister Matina Nicholas, (Peter) and her beloved husband, Newell E. Kaufman, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in January 2011.

She is survived by her loving children, Cary E. Kaufman (Mindy) of Austin, Texas, and Melissa M. Deku (John) of Toledo; and her cherished grandchildren, Alexandra Lima (Luca) of London, England, and Theo and Amanda Deku of Toledo. Nieces and Nephew, Elain Foster (Tom), Bess Afendoulis (Stephen) and Zach Nakos. Irene took immense pride in her family and found great joy in watching her grandchildren grow into accomplished and thoughtful adults.

A 1952 graduate of The University of Toledo, Irene earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in marketing and retailing. She began her professional career in Macy's prestigious Junior Executive Training Program and was soon promoted to ready-to-wear buyer for LaSalle's Department Store in Toledo. In this role, she traveled regularly to New York City, selecting fashions for stores across Northwest Ohio-a position that reflected both her keen eye and natural sense of style.

When Irene and Newell were first married, she shifted her focus from retail to education and became a second grade teacher at "Old Orchard Elementary School".

Irene later found her true calling in the culinary arts. As coordinator of The University of Toledo's Adult Education Culinary Program, she shared her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of food with countless students. She further refined her craft through study at L'École de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris and alongside renowned chefs and culinary figures including Julia Child, Anne Willan, Paula Wolfert, Perla Meyers, Rick Bayless, Sheila Lukins, Madeleine Kamman, and White House Pastry Chef Albert Kumin.

In the 1980s, Irene, along with Megan Maxwell, brought French chefs to Toledo to lead cooking classes that quickly became sought-after and consistently sold out. Building on this success, she founded "Irene's Cuisine," a catering company that became synonymous with elegance, quality, and exceptional hospitality throughout the Toledo community.

Her reputation for excellence led to numerous high-profile engagements, including serving as the selected caterer for the 1993 PGA Championship at Inverness Club, where Irene's Cuisine provided meals for more than 300 CBS Sports crew members over eight days.

In 1994, Irene expanded her entrepreneurial vision by founding Kaufman Foods, producing specialty items such as salsas, tomato pudding, gazpacho, and roasted nuts. Her products were distributed throughout Ohio, Michigan, and the Chicago area, further reflecting her creativity and business acumen.

For more than twenty-six years, Irene's Cuisine played an integral role in Toledo's cultural life, catering over 150 major donor receptions and special events at The Toledo Museum of Art. These gatherings, often attended by hundreds of guests, accompanied renowned exhibitions including "The Age of Rubens," "Eternal Egypt," "Van Gogh Fields," and "Impressionism," among others.

Before retiring in 2006, Irene lent her leadership and talents to two award-winning community cookbooks: Art Fare, published by The Toledo Museum of Art in 2001, and Olives, Feta, Phyllo & More, published by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in 2009. Both received national recognition through the Tabasco Community Cookbook Awards and featured many of her recipes.

Irene was deeply committed to her community and generously gave her time and leadership to numerous organizations. Her involvement included the Toledo Opera Association Board, Toledo Opera Guild, and serving as chairman of the Sapphire Ball. At The Toledo Museum of Art, she was a member of the Ambassadors (Aides), served as past president and chairman of the Endowment Development Committee, and was a member of the President's Council. She also contributed to the Ottawa Hills Mothers Club, Sunset House Executive Board, and served as President of the Ottawa Hills Garden Club. Notably, Irene was the first woman invited to join the Chaine des Rôtisseurs of Toledo, where she served as Vice-Conseiller Gastronomique, and she was also a member of the Mondial Wine Society.

Within the Greek community, Irene was active in the Maids of Athena, Daughters of Penelope, and the Philoptochos Society at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Above all, Irene's greatest joy was her family. She cherished holidays, celebrations, and the simple pleasure of gathering around a table filled with food and conversation. She especially enjoyed her monthly birthday gatherings with close friends and treasured the enduring friendships that enriched her life.

Irene and Newell shared a love of travel and adventure, exploring destinations throughout Europe and across the United States. One of Irene's most cherished traditions was the family's annual summer in Harbor Springs, Michigan, a beloved ritual that began in 1959 and continued for decades, creating lasting memories for generations.

Irene will be remembered for her strength, graciousness, elegance, and her ability to make every occasion feel special. She believed in doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways and lived each day with purpose, warmth, and style. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the community she enriched, and the family she so deeply loved.

We would like to offer a special thanks to the wonderful gals that took care of her in her final years.

Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, on Monday April 13, 2026 from 4-7pm.

Private family interment will follow on Tuesday

A celebration of Irene's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral or to a charity of the donor's choice.