Irene Marjorie Gross Berkowitz, 88, loving daughter, wife, mother, and teacher, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2014, after suffering a heart attack. Irene was born March 8, 1926, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the daughter of Abe and Lena Gross. Her family lived for a time in Chattanooga, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., and New Orleans, La. before settling in Tallahassee in 1936 where her father opened the NewWay Laundry on Adams Street. Irene graduated from Leon High School in 1943, and from the Florida State College for Women/Florida State University in 1947 with a degree in education. She was a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon along with many southern Jewish young women, including Anita Berkowitz, who introduced her to her younger brother Gene in 1946. Gene and Irene were married on July 25, 1948 and she began her teaching career while he started Gene’s Linen Supply. In the early days, she would pitch in folding sheets and towels after classes.
Irene taught for over 30 years, mostly first grade at Leonard Wesson on Orange Avenue and in her last years of teaching at Timberlane (Gilchrist) Elementary on Timberlane Road. She loved it when former students approached her when she was out with Gene, telling her how much she influenced their lives. Recently, one of her former classes got together online to raise money for a donation to Gilchrist teachers in her name. In 1982 she was a finalist for Leon County Teacher of the Year.
Irene loved to travel with family and friends. Photo albums are full of pictures from her trips to Italy, Israel, and all over the United States. She also loved to play golf and she and Gene were long time players in the twilight league at Capital City Country Club. Fishing was also a passion, and she was her most patient when she had a line in the water on the flats off of the St. Marks lighthouse. The only time she would ever take the helm of the boat was on the way in so Gene could have the fish cleaned by the time they got to the dock.
Irene was a dedicated member of Temple Israel, a longtime member of the Sisterhood and a teacher at the Sunday School. Much of her social life was spent with the families that helped start and support the Temple; the Fleets, Mendelsons, Gilbergs, Greenbergs, Capeloutos, Freggers, and so many others.
Irene’s real passion was her family. She supported Gene’s business and political careers and raised three children to share her love of family and commitment to education. She treated her children as she did her students, sternly and with love.
Irene is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Gene Berkowitz, her three children, Ellen Berkowitz (Jerry Altman), Lynn Reese (Bert) and Brian Berkowitz (Carol), five grandchildren, Jason Reese, Michelle Jordan (Christopher), Alex Altman, and Adam and Robby Berkowitz, and hundreds of former students whose lives she helped shape. The family would like to thank all of her many friends, especially Phyllis and Edwin Fleet, who have helped care for her as well as the Rubio sisters, Maria and Virginia, and Juanita Colson. Services will be graveside at Oakland Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. , October 1, 2014.
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