Irene Olech

Irene was born in Gdansk, Poland and was the youngest of three daughters to Zygfryd and Stefania Maturska.  Irene was raised in Poland and graduated from high school there in 1971.  Shortly after her high school graduation, Irene immigrated to the United States following as her oldest sister did before her, searching for a better life and the “American Dream.”  Upon arriving in the United States, Irene settled in Wallington with her sister and her brother-in-law, in what was a predominantly Polish section of town.

Despite not speaking a word of English, Irene found work quickly at a camera lens company in the neighboring city of Clifton at a company called Keystone Camera.  There, Irene installed lenses into cameras.  She held this position for a few years until she saw an opportunity to make more money at a chain restaurant which had just opened up in Wayne called Red Lobster.  Irene accepted a position as a servitor, a position in which she held from the restaurant’s opening in the early 1970’s until approximately 2004.  In 2004, Irene enrolled back in school and earned her certification to become a Certified Nurse’s Aide.  Subsequent to earning her certification, she accepted a position at Troy Hills Nursing Home in Parsippany.  Irene was a valued member of the Troy Hills Nursing Home staff for more than fourteen years until her retirement in 2018.

After arriving in the United States and living with her sister and brother-in-law for several years, Irene moved to the City of Passaic.  While living in Passaic, Irene welcomed the births of her two children, Margaret and Darren.  Irene and her family lived in Passaic from 1982 until about 1997 when the moved to Clifton.  The family was only in Clifton for about a year when they moved again, this time to Wayne.  Irene and her family remained in Wayne ever since.

Irene was a “spicy” lady who was opinionated and had a heart of gold.  She had a wonderful sense of humor.  She loved to laugh, joke, and was not afraid or conscience-stricken to use a bit of profanity when she thought it was appropriate.  She was an outstanding cook, her specialties being her Pierogis and her stuffed cabbage.  Irene cherished hosting holidays and gatherings of family and friends.  For years during the summer, Irene and some of her family traveled together, visiting their homeland of Poland to spend time with family and friends.  Irene’s greatest passion, aside from her talents and interests, was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Irene than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Irene was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Irene is survived by her son Darren Olech of Wayne, her daughter Margaret Bak of Garfield, one sister Genevieve Redzikowski of West Milford, and four grandchildren; Brittany Leogrande of Garfield, Amber Beltre of Garfield, Alexia Beltre of Garfield, and Alexander Beltre of Garfield.  She was predeceased by her sister Krystina Szalast.