Our mother, Irena Korzeniowski, passed away on April 25, 2026. She was born to Alexandra Michalska and Joseph Gorski on October 17, 1926 in Wlodzimierz, Poland. She was 99 years old.

Irena’s early years were not those of a typical childhood as she lived in an area that was in the cross hairs of many brutal political conflicts. At the age of 14 she was taken from her family by Nazis to Germany into forced labor. She remained there until the end of the war. Through many adventures, mostly dangerous, she managed to get to southern Italy where Polish lyceum were established for young people in her situation. Eventually, she was repatriated to England where she met her husband, Zdzislaw (Jesse). Our brother Jules was born in England and when he was 3 the family of three came to America on the Queen Mary.

To say that the years of the first chapter of her life had a profound effect on our mother would be a great understatement. The experiences of pre, war and post-World War II informed who she would be in many aspects of her life to come.

Settling in Passaic, NJ the family of 3 grew to a family of 7. Irena worked tirelessly as a seamstress to help make ends meet and she took care of us kids which was no easy feat as we were a rambunctious group. Irena never once fell short on her responsibilities taking on extra jobs to give the kids opportunities she never had.

Eventually, she divorced Jesse and her independence flourished. Using her scrappiness she completely rehabbed her 2 family home. Always a lover of learning she took linguistics classes at Montclair State and travelled with friends. Years later when she was in California she toured the very ship that brought her to this country.

Cooking was her talent and we were all spoiled by her natural abilities. Her meals were the center of our family life, especially during the holidays where our strong traditions were carried out. Cooking was her talent but her love was gardening. She created beautiful palettes of color that made her so happy.

Irena was tough yet very gentle, whip smart and resilient. She spoke 5 languages and recited poetry in Latin. She taught us the value of education and to always ask questions. She survived war, slavery and a difficult marriage but she was never bitter, rather she soldiered on and continuously made a better life for herself and her children. She raised her village of five who have always and lovingly looked after her. Our hearts hurt deeply but we will carry her there and in our memories.

Irena is survived by Jules and his wife Margery, Krystyna and her husband Andy, Michael and his wife Lisa, Alyse and her husband Ray, Mari and her husband Gerard, and granddaughters Samantha and Sydney.

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