Mrs. Irena K. Slipenczuk

Mrs. Irena Katarzyna Slipenczuk, 87, entered into His Heavenly House on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wesolow, Poland to Stefania and Jozef Wojcik. She was preceded in death by her husband Michal, her oldest son Marek, a sister, two brothers, and a great-grandchild.

Irena was an extraordinary lady with an amazing heart and a smile to melt the room. She was poised with grace, elegance and a fundamental belief in practicing kindness. She enjoyed traveling, reading and socializing with family and friends - she never knew a stranger! There were many hardships in her life; severe childhood health problems, surviving occupied Poland during WWII, living through the Communist Regime, losing her husband 28 years ago while half way across the world, missing the passing of her mother, and the early death of one of her sons. Despite all those challenges, she was always filled with joy, love and a positive outlook on life. She had an amazing ease of connecting with people and embracing them for who they are - to so many, besides her closest family, she was simply known as “Babcia” (grandma).

She followed her children to the US in late 1980s and enjoyed living here as her second home. Over the past few years, Babcia split her time between Poland and among her children and grandchildren in the US. She treasured each of them and was proud of even the smallest accomplishment. Her gentle soul and fighting spirit reached many lives, especially those closest to her. Besides raising her four children, she helped with her grandchildren and even found the strength to assist with raising some of her great-grandchildren. She leaves her loved ones with a deepened understanding of respect and gratitude for all.

Left to cherish her memories are her children; Bozena and Andrzej Jedrzejewski, Piotr and Teresa Slipenczuk, Ireneusz and Irena Slipenczuk, and Urszula Slipenczuk Maliszewski. Additional family includes Leokadia (sister) and Kazimiera (sister-in-law), seven grandchildren (plus spouses), fifteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive family and friends at McEwen Funeral Home, 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212 from 6:00 - 9:00pm on Friday, February 13, 2015. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd, Huntersville, N.C. 28078. Burial will immediately follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home.