Irene Marie Jezak

Irene Leocadia Borowski was born in her house in Ironwood, Michigan. She was the middle child of five siblings, the only daughter. Her brothers were John, Carl, Bill, and Kenny whom supported her throughout her life. Her parents John and Sofia were immigrants from Poland. John worked in the iron ore mines and Sofia was the homemaker. Irene helped her mom with the chores at home and was also the baker in the family. As soon as she made cookies or cakes, they were quickly devoured by her brothers. She was close to her older brother Carl. She would help him sell newspapers by standing on the opposite corner that he was standing. Most of the people would stop and buy from her then from Carl. Carl knew they would stop for a pretty girl. Irene enjoyed being outside the house. Some of her favorite activities were ice skating and playing softball. She knew how to swing a bat and even was nicknamed “Homerun Heddy.” When she turned 18, she wanted to leave the small town of Ironwood. She moved in with her brother Carl, who was living in Chicago. Her first job was at “Swift Meat Packing Company.” Irene decided to change jobs and went to work for “Mars” candy bars factory. At that time, each bar was hand wrapped. She was a “wrapper” and if the candy bars were not properly formed…they were allowed to take them home. At that time, her brother Carl was in the service. He would send Irene nylons in exchange for candy bars. During World War II, she was part of the USO. She donated her time to dance, feed soldiers, and sold cigarettes for 50 cents a pack. When she was about 24 yrs. old, she decided to move back to Michigan, where she lived with a girlfriend near the Detroit area. She had found a job as a cashier for “Kroger” market. She soon became the store’s accountant, a highly esteemed position. Irene loved dancing and socializing. When she was in her late twenties, she met her future husband “Harry” at a dance hall. She played coy as Harry spotted her across the room. They soon married and decided to venture out to California. They had three children…Nicholas, Gregory and Denise. Irene took care of the home life as Harry worked to support the family. Irene became active in the children’s school as a classroom mom, substitute teacher, and participated in school fundraisers. She was also very active in the church activities. In the 60s, not many women knew how to drive a car but Irene did. She would lend her services to her friends to drive them to doctor appointments and anywhere they needed to go. Some of the kids thought of her as “super mom” because she could drive. She was always willing to take the kids to field trips, as she could easily fit many in her station wagon. Irene enjoyed watching the Dodgers, loved to give advice, and enjoyed dressing up in nice clothes. Although she stopped her education at High School, education was her highest priority with her children. She was diagnosed with a form of dementia in her early seventies. Harry was her caregiver until he could no longer handle her care. She moved into a senior apartment after a short stay at a board and care facility, where she was cared for by a wonderful caregiver “Linda,” for the last 14 years. Linda helped Irene thru all the stages of her disease. She is truly the other daughter she always wanted and was fortunate to have. A few memories from Irene’s children: Uncle Nick said… Mom was a great sounding board when you had issues or problems. She would listen and provide some feedback which made the issue or problem really nothing to worry about. She would always worry about eating good to stay healthy. She had a great laugh when she watched a show or when someone would tell a joke. When Mom needed to get Greg and myself to the bus stop for high school, she made sure that we got there on time. I remember when we went to Fedco's, she would stop at Foster Freeze for hamburgers as a treat on the way home. Before I would go to work, she make me a salad and made sure that there were small pieces of garlic....which made me worry how my breathe would be that night at work. Mom was always there for us as we were growing up day or night. She loved her Jack La Lane and Roy Masters radio programs. Mom made the greatest German Chocolate cake, and that's what I will miss the most. I know that Mom was very proud of us kids in what we did as a career. Uncle Greg said… All my friends would always ask about mom…”How’s your mom?” I remember the only party we had at our house with our young friends was when dad, who was very strict, went to Detroit to help his parents. Mom allowed us to have it. We had the best time. Everyone had fun. When I use to rebuild cars or work on my friends cars, mom was my helper. If I needed a tool, she would be there to hand it to me. Mom was always there when you needed her. Denise had this to say… I was interested in police work when I was 17. Mom was concern but she never said anything. She supported me in all I tried to achieve. When I was going through the police academy, she had my uniforms clean and pressed properly for each day. When I would go for a runs to keep up with the physical portion of the academy, she would drive her car behind me, as our neighborhood wasn’t the safest. Mom loved See’s candy and enjoyed a little “Southern Comfort” at Christmas time. She taught use to eat healthy…everything was whole grains when we were growing up. She would say…”If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” She loved singing and just being happy. Most of all she loved her children. Mom embraced the journey life had given her… no matter how dark it became. In the end, it brought great joy and purpose to many. We will miss you Mom, Grandma…love you.