Irene "Bjorg" Huzzar

May 2, 1935-November 26, 2018

Irene Huzzar was born Bjorg Irene Michelsen in the southern part of Norway on May 2, 1935.

At the age of eighteen, she immigrated to Brooklyn, New York and became Irene. She married Torfinn Hagen, and they had three children together: Carol Ann, Thor Karl, and Inger Berit. They later divorced, and Irene married again to Joseph “Joe” Huzzar.

Irene worked tirelessly throughout her life. She took pleasure and great pride in her work. Irene and Joe worked in the restaurant business, ultimately owning and running an Italian restaurant together—formerly Magnotti’s in Staten Island. They retired in 1994 and moved to Apex, NC, where they built the house they would live in for the rest of their lives. Even in retirement, Irene continued to work, cleaning homes.

What was likely her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Irene truly was the life of the party, and she loved any party—a folk dance, a child’s birthday, a late-night get-together with old friends, or even just sharing a cup of coffee with someone she loved.

Irene was affectionately known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Bessa” – as well as to many other children who adored her. Irene leaves behind a community of many neighbors, friends, and family in North Carolina, New York, and Norway who have known her fun-loving, tremendous spirit.

Many will remember her dancing, her delicious cooking, her generosity, her playfulness, and her connection to all things in nature, especially birds and flowers.

Irene is preceded in death by her daughter, Inger Berit, and her husband, Joe, as well as her first husband Torfinn.

She is survived by her children, Carol Ann Collins and Thor Karl Hagen, her grandchildren, Kristen Berit Hendrickson, Eva Suzanne Miles, Thor Karl Hagen, Inger Berit Hagen, Erik John Hagen, Christian Leif Hagen, and Holly Berit Hagen. Irene is also survived by great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Aidan, Ryan, Preston, and Owen. Irene was anticipating the birth of one new great-granddaughter; the baby is expected in March. She is survived also by several siblings, nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene's honor to The Conservator Center. PO Box 882 Mebane, NC 27302. https://www.conservatorscenter.org/donate/