IRENE SOPHIA DONAJKOWSKI

Irene Sophia Donajkowski, a woman of faith, unwavering love, and boundless energy, passed away peacefully on the 17th of July, 2023, in Alpena, Michigan. Born on May 17, 1932, in Krakow Twp., she was the cherished daughter of the late Walter and Josephine (Kuznicki) Chrzan.

Irene was a woman with a deep-rooted love for her family. She tied the knot with her beloved husband, Lloyd, on Nov. 18, 1950, and their love story was a testament of enduring companionship and mutual respect. Together, they brought into this world, Floyd, Roy, John, Mary Brewer, Ervin (Cheryl), Paulette, Michael (Sally), and Steve (Lynn). Irene was a doting grandmother to Nichole Anderson, Nicholas Green, Campbell, Calder, Harley, Alexis, and Cayden, and a great-grandmother to four.

Irene’s life was marked by perseverance and resilience. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, who passed away on Dec. 1, 2013, her son, Leonard, granddaughter, Haley Donajkowski, her brothers; Anthony, Bernard, Leopold, Ted, Florian, Adolph, Aloysius, and Eugene, and her sisters; Clara Szatkowski, Celia, Virginia Konarzewski, and Lillian Smith. Despite these profound losses, she remained a beacon of strength for her family, embodying grace and fortitude through life’s ups and downs.

A devout Catholic, Irene was a long-standing member of St. Casimir Catholic Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and decisions.

Irene’s interests were diverse and centered around creating a warm and loving home for her family. She had a knack for gardening, her hands magically transforming ordinary seeds into vibrant blooms and lush greenery. Irene’s culinary skills were second to none, her cooking, baking, and canning were the highlight of family gatherings. She had a way with people, effortlessly striking up conversations and leaving a lasting impression on those she interacted with.

Irene’s love for the outdoors was evident in her zest for life. She found joy in the simple pleasures – the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the feeling of the sun on her skin. These were moments she savored, moments that added meaning to her life.

Above all, Irene was a family woman. Time spent with her loved ones was precious to her, and she cherished the laughter, stories, and shared experiences that came with these gatherings. Her love for her family was unwavering, her commitment to their happiness, unparalleled.

Irene is at McWilliams Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. with the rosary being recited. Visitation will resume on Friday at St. Casimir Catholic Church from 10am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Charles Donajkowski as celebrant. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to St. Casimir Catholic Church.