Obituary of Irene T. Brozek

Irene Brozek, 91, of Three Rivers, beloved wife of the late Chester Brozek, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2023 after struggling for many years with Alzheimer’s disease. Irene was the last surviving child of the late Anthony and Agata (Misterka) Frydryk. She was predeceased by brothers Joseph, Stanley, John, Edward, Edmund, and Walter; and sisters Sophie Kawecki, Vera Zaleski, Stephanie Misiaszek, and Lillian Olearczyk. She was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul/Divine Mercy Parish and sang for many years in the St. Cecelia Choir. One of the highlights of Christmas Eve Midnight Mass would be Irene singing a duet of “Sliczna Panienka” with her sister Lillian. Irene worked in the Palmer Town Treasurer’s office starting when she was still attending Palmer High School. She left that career after she married Chester and they started their family. But once the kids were all in school, she eventually returned to the town hall and worked her way up to the position of Town Treasurer, which she held until her retirement. She was an accomplished cook and baker, spending many hours rolling out pierogi dough and eventually passing down the recipes to her children. When she donated her pies to the parish picnic, they were usually sold before they left her car! Irene will be sadly missed by her sons Steven (Pat) of Stafford Springs, CT, Jim (Suzanne) of Sturbridge, David of Three Rivers, and Michael (Sue) of Belchertown, and daughter Carolyn (Mark) Baldyga of Palmer. She leaves grandchildren Laura, Jennifer, Kate, Christine, Mark, Kara, Kristen, Nicholas, Ryan, Brandon, Amanda, and Rebecca; great-grandchildren Cece, Jerry, Mia, Trey, Lucas, Olivia, Evan, and Hazel; and she was Cioci Irene to many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brother-in-law Fred Brozek and his wife Betty. Irene’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Overlook Hospice and to her loving and compassionate caretaker Barbara, who allowed Irene to spend these last years in the comfort of her own home. Dziekuje Barbara i Bog zaplac, we will never forget the care you gave! Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Visitation will be Tuesday June 6th at Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home from 8:30am-9:30am followed by procession to Divine Mercy Church in Three Rivers for a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Burial to immediately follow in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.