Irene Nowak

Irene was the loving wife of Richard, nurturing mother of Rick, Cynthia, Carrie & Cassie and adoring grandmother of Jessie, Sarah, Robby and Hale. Everyone who knew her loved and respected her as a kind, sweet, generous and gentle lady. She was compassionate, loyal, an outstanding listener, and friend to countless. Irene was born on June 27, 1925 in Rochester, New York to Jenny and Stanley Nowak. Her only sibling, her older brother Ed, was a significant influence in her life and predeceased her several years ago. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry in 1946 from the University of Rochester. She and Dick married in 1945. While working as a chemist for Kodak, her experiments led to the discovery of KodaColor film. She later took a supervisory position with Blue Cross Blue Shield. She set aside her own career aspirations in support of the demands of her husband's medical training and to raise her family. In addition to being a mother, wife and homemaker, she was an avid patron of the Music and Drama Club, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Institute of Music, The Cleveland Music Settlement School, Laurel School and the University of Rochester. As the wife of a physician, Irene was an active volunteer and fundraiser for Hillcrest Hospital, University Hospitals and later became President of the Hillcrest Women's Auxiliary. Those who wish may make contributions in her name to Laurel School, 1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts., OH, 44122. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, December 22nd at 11 AM in St. Ann Church, 2175 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, OHIO, 44118, with the interment immediately following in Lake View Cemetery of Cleveland, Ohio. For those who cannot make the services, the family also invites friends to a reception following the service at The Cleveland Skating Club, 2500 Kemper Rd., Cleveland, OH, 44120. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD FUNERAL HOME, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HEIGHTS., OHIO, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21ST FROM 5-7 PM. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216 752-1200


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