Irena A. Kusner (Kusnierz), age 94, of Toledo, OH, passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, in Flower Hospital, Sylvania, OH, born June 25, 1906, to Stanley and Anna, nee Kuszel, Stypulkowski in Chicago. She was a longtime resident of the Chicago area and moved to Toledo to live with her daughter after her husband’s death in 1994. Irene was formerly employed as an assembler with several factories around the Chicago area retiring in 1970 from the Zenith Company after 25 years of service. Irene was a devout Catholic and a former parshioner of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, Chicago. A very spiritual and exemplary person, who was devoted to her family. Irene will be lovingly remembered by many for her unconditional love, caring nature and generosity. She was a friend to all who knew her and treasured the time spent with her husband and daughters. Irene loved animals, volunteering for Lend-A Paw (feline shelter). A child at heart, she enjoyed her many collectible toys and music, which included selections of Lawrence Welk and many polka melodies. The widow of John Stanley Kusnierz with whom she celebrated 67 years of marriage before his death Sept. 4, 1994; Irene is survived by her daughter Carol Christiansen; grandsons, John Jacobs and family of Puyallup, WA and Glen Jacobs and family of Buffalo, MN; sister, Stella Jankauskas of Chicago; niece, Patricia Frazak and family of Madison, WI; also surviving are dear friends, Martha and Bill Pituch, Sally O’Connell, Ann Desmond, Ursula Strausbaugh, Alice Gillhouse, Dave and LaDonna Michaels and Helen Martaus; in addition to her husband John, Irene was preceded in death by her daughter, Geraldine Jacobs (Oct. 1993), granddaughters, Jeanne Jacobs and three sisters. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, January 26, 2001, 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, Chicago. Viewing 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The family requests contributions to Lend-A-Paw, 38 Hillwyck Ave., Toledo, OH 43615 or the National Shrine of St. Jude, 3200 E. 91st St., Chicago, IL 60617. Her daughter Carol would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Flower Hospital and Lake Park for the loving attention they showed during a very difficult time. Funeral arrangements by Sujkowski Funeral Home, Northpointe, 114-128 E. Alexis Rd., Toledo, OH 43612. 419-476-9176
