Irene A. Gladysz

Our hearts are broken because our beloved mother, Irene, let go of our hands to join family and friends waiting for her in Heaven. Mom was born April 15, 1931, the youngest child of Kazimer and Marianna (Sulewska) Gosek. Her parents were Polish immigrants and Irene was always so very proud of her Polish heritage. She was born in Mattydale and lived her entire life there, within a few blocks of the house where she was born.

Mom graduated from North High School. She liked to brag that she had earned some college credits by successfully completing ABI classes through Marine Midland Bank Computer Center. Mom worked hard all her life. Her first job as a youth was “working for the farmer” by picking beans and strawberries, weeding crops, and other field work. Through the years she held various office jobs, including 18 years at the Marine Midland Computer Center. Irene worked there nights as a reconciler and then cared for her family and elderly parents during the day.

Mom was quite a homemaker. She was a fantastic cook and a fabulous baker with pies, Christmas cookies, and cheesecakes her specialties. In her spare time Mom enjoyed all sorts of handcrafts, including embroidery, tatting, needlepoint, and counted cross-stitch. She taught herself how to knit and created many beautiful sweaters for family members. She also learned how to crochet and gave many afghans as gifts to friends and relatives. Mom also liked to travel and especially enjoyed trips to Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, and Florida.

After she retired, Mom joined the Mattydale-Hinsdale Seniors Club. She made many friends there and participated in all the events from weekly meetings to the dinners and parties. Mom particularly enjoyed traveling with the group, whether it was for a day trip or one for a week. Her favorite was the first Wednesday of the month trip to Turning Stone Casino. She loved playing the slots! Mom never admitted to losing her money, but always said that she “broke even.” When Mom was no longer able to travel, she enjoyed watching the many varieties of birds that visited the feeders and birdhouses in her yard.

Irene was predeceased in 1978 by her husband, Joseph, a local union activist. She is reuniting also with her parents, brother Adam, sister Genevieve, and other relatives and several dear friends.

Irene is survived by her three daughters, Mary Ann, Joanne, Elizabeth Ann and her “unofficially adopted daughters,” Chris Wenger and Deb DiRoma. Mom will be missed by a sister-in-law, Evelyn Buczek, and many nieces, nephews and their families. Her nephew Tom was especially thoughtful of his Aunt Irene. Mom will be greatly missed by her lifelong friend, Millie Mayer.

We would like to thank Mom’s aides for the wonderful care they provided for her for the past 5 years, including her friend Theresa.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to NAVAC, P.O. Box 215, North Syracuse NY 13212 or to the Mattydale Volunteer Fire Dept. 173 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211. Both agencies helped Mom several times.

Rest in peace Mom. You will always be lovingly remembered and forever missed by your girls.