Irene Larsen

Irene Larsen was born on July 21,1930 in Brooklyn, New York. She was first generation American. Her father, Ernest Gisler, immigrated from Switzerland. It was learned from her mother by Jenna, her granddaughter, that Ernest came to America on a bet which was to either come to America or get a motorcycle. Irene’s mother, Wally Poser Gisler, left her hometown of Griez, Germany after finishing high school to come to America when she became sponsored by her best friend, Tante Hilda. Her parents met in NYC at night school, learning English. Irene had her parents named placed on a wall at Ellis Island, a memorial for a piece of American history.

Irene met her husband Alfred Larsen Jr. in Brooklyn during their high school years. Shortly after graduating from high school, at the age of twenty, they were married on February 4, 1951. Her husband completed an apprenticeship with Local 3 of the National Electrical Union and Irene worked as a secretary. They lived in Queens and their first child, Keith was born 1954 and then in 1956, their first daughter, Lynn, was born. Her husband, his dad, and father-in-law were in the beginning stages of building the home they would live in until 2005. Irene and Al lived with her parents in Valley Stream and then for a short time at Alfred’s parents’ summer home in Rocky Point on Solitaire Road while the house was being built. Keith was two and Lynn was six months old when they moved into the house on 290 Evergreen Ave, Huntington Station. Kim, the youngest child was born on January 8, 1963. Al and Irene were married for 59 years before Irene was widowed.

Irene stayed home to raise her children until Kim was in elementary school. She went to work for South Huntington UFSD in the kitchen at Beverly Hills Elementary School where Kim attended. Later she would work in the Dean’s office at Walt Whitman HS. This definitely was interesting for her daughter, Kim, who attended the High School during that time. Her last assignment before retirement with the school district was working for the assistant principal. Mom made life long friends while working and continued to enjoy these friendships beyond her working years.

Irene and her husband, Alfred were both only children. Their close family were them, the kids and the four grandparents, Nana’s Ma and Pa and Shu She Ma and Pa. The names came from having a Nana on the paternal grandparents side and the maternal grandparents acquired their name while Irene and Al lived in Valley Stream. ShuShe Pa would work nights and Keith, their son, who was a toddler at the time had to be constantly shushed by ShuShe Ma because her husband, Ernest ( the grandfather) worked nights and needed to sleep during the day. Spending holidays together as the kids were growing up were shared. Thanksgiving was celebrated in Valley Stream, Easter in Queens and then Rocky Point and Christmas always in Huntington. Christmas’s were so special. Santa, came in the morning and then there was the part two of Christmas with the grandparents. The grandkids waited until the meal was over and the dishes were washed and put away. The trunks of cars were then opened and the grandfather’s brought in all the presents. After this, the family then had dessert and the much anticipated three tiered plate of cookies. This tradition still exists today and each of the girls have a book with all the recipes.

Two of Irene’s children married and she was blessed with four grandchildren.

Her daughter Kim married John Savastano Jr. and had a son, John, and a daughter, Jessica. These two grandkids lived close to her as they grew up and spent holidays with her. Irene got to participate in pieces of their lives as they grew to include dance recitals, sports games, graduations and weddings, one of which was in Cancun.

Her daughter Lynn married John Colquhoun as he began his career in the army. She got to travel to see those two grandkids, Scott and Jenna who lived in many locations, to include Germany, Hawaii, El Paso and Copperas Cove, Texas. Scott and his mom, her daughter, came to see Irene this past May. Scott knew how important it was to get the time to share in person how he had turned his life around and was doing well.

Irene’s wedding present to her granddaughters was to purchase their gowns. Both of these days hold dear memories to all “her” girls. Jenna flew to NY with her mom so “grandma” could be part of the special day.

Her son Keith never married. Irene helped and provided for him as long as she was able. Keith spent many a weekend with her.

Irene, transitioned to the title of Gigi with the birth of her six great grandchildren. Mia, Isabella, Johnny, Gabrianna, Joseph and Maddalena were her bright light in her later years. The last visits with them were at her stay in Rehab. Those visits were better than any medicine she was receiving.

Irene lived a beautiful life. She was a huge influence on those who knew her to include family and friends and to the people who cared for her near the end. Her daughter’s made sure that every medical person that interfaced with her the day she got sick on December 5 to the day she passed on February knew her story. She was not someone who was old and sick. She was a vibrant, strong and healthy, loving, caring and independent women up to the day she went to the hospital on December 5, 2022. Then it was all gone. Irene lived a full and long life. We are blessed to have had her in our lives as long as we did. Although her passing is hard, and she will be missed tremendously, we celebrate her life.

Here are some reflections from her family:

Kim, her daughter shared; “My mom was always there when I needed her both when I asked and when I didn’t ask. She knew what I needed and just offered to help. She was with me every step of my Breast Cancer journey to include chemo, radiation, and doctors appointments. She did this for me despite dealing with the hardship of caring for my dad declining with Dementia. Mom never complained. She has always been my ROCK.”

Lynn, her daughter shared; I know my family being part of the military life took endless opportunities to be together away from her. She never complained about it. She found ways to engage and make my family and I feel part of her family despite that we did not live close and we didn’t see each other often. Mom and dad, when he was alive, were the ones that physically showed up for us. Mom flew to El Paso when John left for Desert Storm and Scott was admitted to the hospital. She showed up when I was in labor with Jenna and did not know the emergency that was unfolding. She came to us to spend a vacation in every location we lived. She opened her home to us every time we came to NY and her hospitality made us feel so loved. She always asked about everyone up to the day she got sick. She didn’t have it easy with some of the challenges she faced with her husband and son that struggled with mental challenges and then Alzheimer’s . She loved them and the rest of her family unconditionally. She always used her faith to pray for every member in her family. I got to “live” with her after she was widowed and care for her at times when I came to visit. Those times are so special and those memories will last a lifetime. Mom I am forever grateful and it is a privilege to be your daughter.”

Johnny, her grandson shared; “ You are the definition of a grandma. You were caring and organized. You always saw me for my true potential. You loved me unconditionally, which in a world that is cruel and unfair, is all that we can really hope for. Know, that I love you more then anything; and your love will live forever in my memory.”

Scott, her grandson shared; “ I am glad I got to visit my grandmother this past May to tell her in person how well I was doing. She always looked after her family and made sure we were always doing ok. It was clear that she loved her family. Grandma always remembered me on every birthday and holiday. Excitement was always received when she got to see or hear from her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an amazing lady and a wonderful grandmother.”

Jessica, her granddaughter shared; “It was such a blessing to have had grandma in my life for all these years. Grandma was gentle, supportive and giving. Together we enjoyed watching plays on Broadway and locally. She loved to go shopping, especially at Macy’s. Grandma you always went out of her way to make us feel so special and loved.

Jenna, her granddaughter shared; “ Although we only got to live in the same area for six months of my life I knew she loved me. She showed her care for me every time I opened a card and saw her handwritten note and signature on the bottom. Her fondness could be heard in her voice whenever we chatted about the weather over the phone. My grandmother was an amazing grandparent because she genuinely wanted to know what was going on in my life, even if she didn’t understand it. Grandma was the first person to take me to a Broadway play. Little did she know that act of taking me to see Beauty and the Beast was key to giving me a medium of art that would help me relate to me and other parts of my life. Grandma’s influence has left a positive mark and I will always be thankful for her generosity of spirit and time. I am going to miss talking to my grandma on the phone.

A visitation for Irene will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A visitation will occur Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A funeral service will occur on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 8:30 PM.

A committal service & interment will occur Friday, February 10, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavismillerplace.com for the Larsen family.