Irene Drozdza

Irene, lovingly known as Babu by her grandchildren, was generous beyond measure. Of limited means, she would do all she could to share the little she had to provide comfort to those in need. Anyone who knew her came away with knowing her sweet nature and care for others.

Irene had an extremely rich history that began in Grodno, Poland (now Belarus) on November 5th, 1927, to Vasili and Vera (nee von Strandtmann) Galajko. Of noble Russian descent, she lived an idyllic life and spoke nostalgically of her early youth. Her world changed drastically at the beginning of World War II, with the loss of her home and relocation to Warsaw. She endured great hardships, including forced labor, arrest, and separation from her family.

In 1948, Irene left Germany and arrived in America with her husband, a soldier from Delaware. Shortly thereafter, she welcomed her son, Michael.

In the years that followed, Irene modeled in New York. After separating from her husband, she returned to Germany, where her mother had resettled. It was there she remarried and had her second child, Kasia. She is remembered as being a very caring stay-at-home mother and volunteered often at her daughter’s school.

Although not formally educated due to the circumstances of her youth, Irene was cultured, extremely bright, spoke 4 languages fluently, had a thirst for knowledge, never left home without wearing L’oreal’s #444 lipstick, and carried herself with dignity and elegance until the very end.

Reading and animals provided Irene comfort. She enjoyed spending her time in her favorite (and very old) chair, pouring over books and newspapers as long as possible before macular degeneration made it too difficult. She picked up strays, fed wildlife, and always had a pet. Her last cat, named Zucchini, provided her with a great deal of love, companionship, and structure in last years.

But what gave her the greatest joy was being with her granddaughters, Olivia and Lylah, whom she saw regularly. She was a major part of their lives and “Babu” often expressed how grateful she was to live long enough to see them grow up. They meant the world to her, and she will forever be remembered by them.

For the past three years, Irene has resided in a supportive living facility where she was with people who cared for her and witnessed her lovely spirit. The family is grateful to Oak Hill Supportive Living for the time she spent there.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Kasia Freeman (nee Drozdza), son-in-law Scott; granddaughters Olivia Hayes (Aiden) and Lylah Freeman, Michael Kay, Ariel Kay (Heather), Callisto Reus (Scott), Capella Kay, Melanie Menendez; great-grandchildren Calvin, Jackson, Hailey, Melissa, Maya, Nathan, Jonah, and Sarah; brother Alexander von Matuschinski; nephews Luciano Sobrino (Martina) and Boris Sobrino (Lelia). Also left to cherish her memory are many other friends and family, especially Lorelie, Rona, and Georgette who loved her very much.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, February 20th at 1:00, followed by some time to visit together and share memories of her. You are invited to join us at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road in Gurnee.

Internment to be private.