Irene Zabitz

Irene Walitsky Zabitz was born at home in Harlem, NY on October 13, 1923 . Her parents, Alex and Bessie Walitsky immigrated from eastern Europe prior to World War I. She grew up in the Bronx with her brothers Paul and Melvin, graduated from James Monroe High School and worked as a secretary at a publishing firm until she got married. She met Ralph Zabitz on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. They fell in love and married on May 1, 1949

Irene and Ralph moved from Queens to LI, first Westbury and then Syosset, where they brought up their two daughters Geri and Pam. Irene was a devoted wife and mother. She was always there for Ralph and her daughters. Irene loved to cook and bake. She was queen of the family holiday dinners be it Thanksgiving or Passover .

She had a deep love for music and the arts with a special fondness for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. In her elder years she became an avid follower of politics and the news. Always dressed to the nines with make up and a smile no matter where she was going.

As empty nesters Ralph and Irene moved to Wayne NJ . When Ralph’s health started failing they moved in with Pam in Closter. Ralph passed in 2013.

Irene played canasta at the local senior center in Tenafly. She took great joy in being a great grandmother of five and loved being called “granny”.

She is survived by her brother, Melvin Wallis and his wife Thea-Ellen (Boynton Beach FL), daughters Geri Zabitz Badler of Denver, Colorado and Pam Zabitz of Closter; grandchildren Alison Faber (LA, CA), and Meredith Badler (Denver. CO), Joshua Klivan (NY,NY)and Alex Klivan (NY. NY); great grandchildren Hugo Faber, Bennett Faber, Olive Faber (LA. CA) and Jack Klivan and Harper Klivan (NY, NY).

Donations to honor her memory and life can be made to any local first responders supporting the Covid-19 Pandemic or Jewish Family Services supporting senior citizens.