Irene R. O’Konski

IRENE ROGACKI O’KONSKI of Nokesville VA, died peacefully in her home on July 15, 2017.
Born in Harrison NJ in 1925, Irene was the daughter of John and Leona Rogacki. She graduated St Cecilia High School in 1943 and attended Morris County Community College in 1977, receiving a computer languages certificate. She married Alphons O’Konski in 1951. They had four children, and resided mainly in Mountainside NJ. Residence in Nokesville VA commenced in 1984. Irene’s marriage, family and home flourished by her love, wisdom and touch for over 65 years. She is survived by her loving husband, four sons, four daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Irene viewed her vocation to be mother and homemaker for her family, to whom she was proudly and lovingly committed. Her Catholic faith, Polish heritage, and her family were of highest importance. She was an accomplished chef and baker, a church choir soprano, an enthusiastic traveler, and a voracious reader. Family holidays and celebrations were important to her, and she orchestrated them personally, especially the Christmas Vigils. She enjoyed the seashore and fostered many beachside family vacations. She completed a pilgrimage to Rome in 2001. It included meeting St John Paul II, who conversed with her in Polish, blessed her, and encouraged her.
Our Irene will be remembered for her generous and loving nature, her personal talents, creativity and accomplishment, and the patient selfless support she granted to her husband and children, her extended family, and many friends. Her beauty, talents and judgment were peerless. And her sharp intelligence and keen sense of humor left its mark.
There will be a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manassas on Thursday July 21 at 11 AM, preceded by a viewing at 10, and followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider arranging for a Mass for the repose of her soul, or consider a donation to Karen Ann Quinlan Center of Hope Hospice in Newton NJ (https://www.karenannquinlanhospice.org), one of Irene’s special projects.