Born in the Ukraine, the family moved from place to place. Irene left home at 18 years old when she traveled to Canada. There she attended school, earned a nursing degree, and worked at Shriner’s Hospital for Children as a nurse, all while saving money to bring her parents and younger sister to join her in living a better life. During this time, life was difficult with families fighting to keep each other safe and together. Irene’s family was no exception. As her parents were dealing with the current situation, Irene practically raised her younger sister, Lucy. The family ended up in Lakewood, NJ, where Irene met a funny, kind, and handsome man, Alfred, that she was smart enough to marry. They embarked on their next adventure, starting the big family they always wanted.
After years of involvement in her children’s numerous school activities, she decided to join the Lakewood Board of Education in 1977 and served for 33 years.
After Al’s untimely death in 1978, she took a job working for Lakewood Township, while raising her 6 kids on her own. She retired after almost 30 years. Irene was a very strong, determined, independent woman who was a force to be reckoned with. Family, near and far, immediate or distant, was the most important thing to her and she seized every opportunity she could to spend time with them and enjoyed every minute.
Predeceased by the love of her life, Alfred, her parents, Nestor and Nadia Dandyk, and beloved younger sister Lucy Clifford. And we can’t forget her beloved rescue dog, Yugi.
Irene is survived by her children, Alfie, Paul, Jenny, Mike, Willy, and Linda, her son in law, George Schenck, her grandchildren, Kristilynn, Georgia, George, and Michael, and her “nutty” rescue dog, Benji, who, by the way, kept her active and amused! In addition, she also has many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Irene is also survived by her best friend of over 60 years, Velma Segalla.
Relatives and friends may call from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 and from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave., Lakewood, N.J. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lakewood, N.J. Interment will follow at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in her name may be made to Irene’s favorites charities: Shriner’s Hospital for Children, St. Jude, and Boys Town.
Being that Irene was a charitable person, donations can also be made to a charity of your choice. Mass cards at St. Mary’s of the Lake are also another option.
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