Irene Marie Pudelek

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Irene Marie Pudelek, of Lincoln Park, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the age of 97 years.

Loving wife of the late Albert Pudelek. Dearest mother of Barbara (Joachim), Patricia (Butch), Susan (Ken), Kathleen (Patrick), and Albert. Proud grandmother of Dan (Amanda), Jill (Tony), Lisa (Josh), Dave, and Anne (Mike). Dear great-grandmother of nine great-grandchildren and wonderful Aunt to many nieces and nephews whom she saw as additional sons and daughters.

Irene was born on September 9, 1925, to the late John and Elizabeth Petras in Wyandotte, Michigan. She attended Mumford High School in Detroit and during her late teenage years, she was honored to serve her country as a Rosie the Riveter; helping to manufacture airplane wings in support of the troops during World War II.

Irene enjoyed life and all it had to give. She was an avid shopper and loved spotting great deals. You could often find her alongside her sister-in-law Helen as they traveled up north visiting every flea market along the way. Irene was always on the move. You'd have to walk fast if you wanted to keep up and she continued to drive well into her late eighties.

Irene deeply cared for the people around her. She loved her family with an abiding passion and went to great lengths to ensure they were happy and healthy. She was always ready to welcome friends into their home and a great time would be had by all as they gathered around Irene's cooking while telling stories and sharing laughter. Her caretaking extended to more difficult times when she lovingly cared for both her mother and then her husband as they entered hospice at the end of their lives.

Faith was an important part of Irene's life and she was devoted to her church family at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. She served faithfully for decades and regularly prepared funeral luncheons. She could often be found playing cards with her friends and was famous for the kitchen towels that she lovingly crafted and gave as gifts. Undoubtedly, many of those towels still hang from oven handles around the community.

Irene will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will take place on Friday, July 21, 2023 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 6:00 PM Rosary at Solosy Funeral Home.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 9:30 AM until the 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lincoln Park.

Following Mass, Irene will be laid to rest with her husband at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown, Michigan.