Irene Prusik
Irene Prusik, 93, of Randolph, MA, beloved wife of the late Edmund “Eddie” Prusik, passed away suddenly on, Saturday, August 28, 2021.
Irene was born in South Boston in November 1927. She was the youngest of three children, born to Mary (Zilonis) and Alexander Ross, {both of Lithuania}. Irene grew up in Southie, marched in the local parades as the drum majorette, went polka dancing with her girlfriends, and was active with the Lithuanian Club. She graduated from South Boston High School in 1945. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for various companies, most notably Gillette.
One special night, in January 1950, Irene went out with friends to a Polka dance in Cambridge. That night she met Eddie. Not being one to shy away, Irene grabbed Eddie by the hand and took him onto the dance floor after “Another guy” asked her to dance. Onto the dance floor they went, for the first of what would be many polka dances. They danced beautifully together, as if they had been partners for years. Later in life, people would watch them in awe as their love for one another was on display when they took the floor. They married on July 8, 1951. Eddie passed away June 25, 2021, two weeks before their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
Ed was drafted into the Army a few months after they were married and was soon deployed to Germany. Irene was faced with a very difficult decision. Should she travel to Germany to reunite with her new husband or stay home as her father wanted her to. She chose to join her husband against her father’s wishes. (Later, her father came around, and bragged how brave, and headstrong his daughter was). During her stay in Germany, they traveled to several countries in Europe and celebrated their 1st Wedding Anniversary in Germany.
Irene and Eddie started their family in 1956. By 1959, they had three beautiful children, Sharon, Keith, and Laurie. They moved to Randolph in 1960, having outgrown their apartment in “Southie.” In 1976, after the children had grown, they traveled to 25 of the United States, 22 European countries, and sailed on 15 cruises.
Eddie and Irene were devout Catholics. They always attended a weekly Saturday Mass together. Irene was a generous woman and was always sending donations to many different charities, always wanting to help those in need. She and Eddie both gave of their time freely, volunteering with the church and the Randolph Senior Center.
Family was very important to Irene. She always made sure that her children and extended families always felt welcomed in their home. Their home in Randolph was the place to go for all events. She enjoyed cooking for them on all these occasions and saw it as her way of keeping the family together. Irene was passionate about flowers and took great joy in receiving as well as tending to them in her gardens. As Irene and Ed aged, hosting and gardening became too much for her. Not having family home to gather has been one of the notable changes in the family dynamics. It has been a great loss to all.
As Ed’s health started to decline, so did their social life. They had many friends that they would see at all the dances, and this loss of socialization was one of the most difficult for them to deal with. Irene acted selflessly as Eddie's caregiver for many, many years. One never heard a complaint.
Irene’s spirit is carried on by her children. Sharon (David) Goldstein of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Keith (Theresa) Prusik of North Quincy; and Laurie (Frank) Messere of Rockland. Grandchildren; Lindsay, Jasmine, and Alex. Two great-granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by both of her beloved brothers, Alger and Norman Ross.
Funeral from the Hurley Funeral Home, 134 So. Main St. (Rt. 28), Randolph, on Friday, September 3rd at 9:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Church in Randolph at 10am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 2nd from 4-7pm. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Randolph.
Guestbook
First Name: Kathi & Peter
Last Name: Bakas
City: NORTH READING
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 09/01/2021
Sharon, Keith & Laurie, We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Irene's passing. Please know that we are keeping you in our prayers and may the loving and happy memories of your Mom comfort you always. With our deepest condolences. Love, Kathi & Peter
First Name: lauri
Last Name: pearson
City: North Kingstown
State: RI
Country: United States
Entry Date: 09/02/2021
My heart goes all to you all.