Submitted by: Dan Rich

Irene Grzegorek

April 18, 1923 - Feb. 7, 2003

South Bend Tribune 2/10/2003

Mrs. Irene Grzegorek, 79, of Chimes Blvd., died in her home on Friday, Feb. 7 following an extended illness. She was born on April 18, 1923 to John and Lillian Zurath and was a lifelong resident of South Bend. Her mother died following the birth of Irene's youngest brother in 1929, leaving her to raise her younger siblings. At the age of 19 she was able to secure a residence for herself, her sisters Phyllis and Evelyn, and brother Richard.

On Sept. 25, 1948, she married Richard Grzegorek, who survives. Mrs. Grzegorek worked at a variety of jobs, most notably Bendix (during World War II) and J.C. Penney. As a Patrol Lady stationed at Tarkington School in 1963, she was cited for bravery during a violent storm. She enjoyed crafts and for many years was an active member of the Christ Child Society. The huge pine cone wreaths, which her once nimble fingers to painstakingly constructed, were always the first things to be sold at their annual Christmas Bazaar. Baking and decorating elaborate wedding, communion and anniversary cakes was another outlet for her caring and generous nature. Many of her nieces and nephews enjoyed her creations.

Mrs. Grzegorek is survived by her husband of over 54 years, Richard; her daughter, Joyce Chamberlin of South Bend; her son, Tim (Janet) Grzegorek of Lafayette, Ind.; two sisters, Phyllis (Paul) Jacobs of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Evelyn Taller of Elkhart; and grandchildren, Stephanie, Matthew, Caryn and Ryan. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her two brothers, Joseph and Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be recited at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m., with Father Andre Leveille officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday in the Forest G. Hay Funeral Home, where the rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m.