Irene Bernadette Mielnik

Irene was born in Erie on January 26, 1931. She was the youngest child born to Stanley and Sophie (Czerwinski) Wieczorek. Irene attended St. Stanislaus grade school and Academy high school. On August 4, 1951, she married Thaddeus (Ted) Mielnik also at St Stanislaus Church. They treasured 47 years together until Ted passed away in 1998. Irene was a lifelong member of St. Hedwig/St. Stanislaus parishes and was a member of the Rosary Society. She relocated to Cary, North Carolina in 2016 and resided with family until 2024 when she moved to Waltonwood Senior Living also in Cary, North Carolina. Irene worked at Lord Corporation in the Quality Control area for 25 years. She was a member of the Lord Quarter Century Club. She enjoyed seeing her fellow retirees at picnics and dinners when she was still living in Erie.

Irene was preceded in death by husband, Ted, and her brothers Frank, Raymond, Edward, and Robert Wieczorek. She was predeceased by sisters, Mary Ziacik and Josephine Harris. A great-granddaughter, Margaret Lucy Martin, also preceded her in death in 2019. Irene will be greatly missed by her five children; Cindy (Ed) Koval of Cary, NC; Linda (Tom) Zagenczyk of Freedom, PA; Dianne (Ron) Slomski of Erie, PA; Ted (Nancy) Mielnik of Painesville, OH; and Sharon (Jim) Martin of Holly Springs, NC. Irene leaves 15 grandchildren who loved her greatly. She welcomed 30 great grandchildren who brought her profound joy.

Irene was a fabulous Polish cook and her home was the gathering place for all the family until her relocation to NC. She was always ready to dance a polka, go to the casino, or play a game of rummy.

Her rosary and Mother Love prayer book were always close by. She loved her Catholic faith. Relatives and friends are invited to St. Stanislaus Church, 516 East 13th Street, Erie, PA on May 16, 2026. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am at the church and the funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research ([email protected]) or St. Stanislaus Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pa 16503.