Irena P. Golabek

Irena Golabek, 70, of Elkhart, IN, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025 after an extended illness. Irena was born on July 12, 1954, in Kostomloty, Poland to Michal and Anna Wirchnianski. On November 2, 1978, Irena married Frank Golabek in Yonkers, NY, who preceded her in death in 1999 after 21 years of marriage. Together they had one child, Mark Golabek.

Irena is survived by her son Mark Golabek, of Granger, IN; sister Stefania (Andrzej) Wiackieweicz of Wolow, Poland; brother, Piotr (Lesia) Wirchnianski of Konieczna, Poland; and close friends Deb Posthuma of Elkhart, IN; Susan Rost of Goshen, IN; Maria Zalusky of Palm Bay, Florida; and Malgosia Martka of Muskegon, MI. Irena was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and brother Stefan Wirchnianski of Poland.

Irena bravely immigrated to the United States in 1978 following the death of her mother, Anna, who had arrived previously. She settled in Yonkers, NY and shortly thereafter, met her husband, Frank. They moved to Elkhart, IN, as Frank was employed with Miles Laboratories. Irena worked hard to learn the English language and make new friends as she adjusted to new life in the United States. She continued to reside in Elkhart after Frank passed away until her own death. 

Irena spent many years in the food service, serving at the MCL cafeteria for 10 years and at Elkhart General Hospital for 13 years. In her free time, Irena enjoyed tending to her garden, listening to music, going to concerts, cooking authentic Polish and Ukrainian dishes, and traveling. She prided herself that her friends and family were always well-fed. She always prepared meals as if she was feeding a group of ten, even if the meal was only for two. She was proud to have been a homemaker for 15 years, during her son Mark’s childhood. Irena loved animals, caring deeply about the Elkhart County Humane Society, and volunteering in their times of need. She loved most her dog, “Theo.” Irena’s Catholic faith was very important to her, as she was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church in Elkhart, IN. She was active in Daughters of Isabella and a member of the Rosary Society. 

Visitation will be held from 4pm - 7pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN, 46514., Where the praying of the Catholic Rosary will be held at 4:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St, Elkhart IN, 46516, where visitation will be one hour before mass at the church. A memorial visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Duchynski-Cherko Funeral Home, 601 Yonkers Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704. Online condolences may be made to Irena’ s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com