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HOWLAND -- Dr. Irene Gianakos of Howland was reunited with her beloved ancestors and departed friends on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. Her cremated remains have been returned to the earth.
Dr. Gianakos began her life's journey on Oct. 27, 1954, in Warren born to exceptionally loving and generous parents who encouraged her to persevere in all endeavors. As is true with many children born into struggling working-class families and who aspire for a secure future, her working life began at the age of 14 and continued until retirement at age 60. She was incredibly fortunate to be born in an era when a strong work ethic and generosity toward others mattered in educational and career trajectories. She graduated as an honor student from Western Reserve High School in 1973, earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with honors from Kent State University in 1976, and, after six years in the professional workforce, was awarded a research assistantship to pursue psychology graduate training at the University of Akron in 1982. Her predoctoral internship was completed at Iowa State University; her doctorate was completed with honors in 1990; and her postdoctoral clinical residency was completed in private practice. Dr. Gianakos was board certified as a psychologist in December 1992 and maintained her license at the time of her death.
Although she held a number of varied professional positions both during and after completion of her doctorate, she is likely best remembered as a psychology professor at Kent State University. She was both honored and humbled to secure a position that incorporated the two enthusiasms of her professional life -- a great love of teaching and a passionate interest in her discipline. During her 25-year academic tenure at Kent, she was recognized for her academic activities through receipt of the following: Outstanding Faculty Service Award; NISOD Teaching Excellence Award; yearly Graduate Applause Awards; Mothers, Mentors and Muses Award; and KSU's Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Gianakos' primary research activities focused on the areas of career development and work-related behavior in diverse populations. Collectively her sole- and first-authored publications have garnered more than 1,700 citations in professional literature. She was an empathic and dynamic educator; her legacy includes a multitude of KSU students whom she taught and mentored, who loved "Doctor G," whom she continued to encounter wherever she went, and whose children later sought her out as their professor.
In August 1982, Irene met her best friend and the love of her life, Michael G. Smylie; following their marriage on May 18, 1986, she retained her birth surname for the remainder of her life. Three weeks later, Irene moved to Iowa for her internship and Michael remained in Akron to continue his work with the City of Akron Health Department while simultaneously working on a graduate degree and caring for the house cat, Menagerie. A year after reuniting their lives, their son Michael was born, followed five years later by the birth of another son, Matthew. Irene was greatly appreciative of the love, laughter and adventures that always filled her family life and was fiercely proud of her spouse's and sons' accomplishments. This family she helped build was her most precious endeavor. She was adored by her husband and her sons, with whom she spent her final days telling stories and sharing hopes, loving embraces and tears. When asked by her son, Matt, if there was anything that she needed to tell them that she hadn't already, she responded, "Some secrets must remain," making everyone laugh.
Dr. Gianakos' immediate survivors include her spouse and soulmate, Michael G. Smylie, M.A.; son, Michael Justin Gianakos Smylie, M.B.A.; and son, Matthew James Gianakos Smylie, Ph.D. She also leaves her loving and supportive siblings, Patricia Gianakos, Psy.D., and Larry James Gianakos, M.A., both of Warren; and many beloved cousins and in-laws.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie Lambros and Julie Mougianis Gianakos.
At her request there will be no calling hours or funeral proceedings. Rather, she invites all family and friends to attend a celebration of life, where we will enjoy an evening of stories, laughter, music and expressions of love towards one another. For more information, visit the website drirenegianakos.com.
Raise a glass and give a toast to this incredible gift of life we share together.
In lieu of memorial gifts or flowers to family, Renie asked that you remember her by performing an act of kindness for someone less fortunate or via a contribution to a charity supporting life-sustaining and life-enhancing activities for those in need.
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