Irene M. Morrow

Irene M. Morrow age 94. Beloved and devoted wife of Edward (deceased). Loving mother of Jeffrey, Patrick (deceased), Martin (Shelia), Roberta Morrow (Garry McPhee), Lorraine (Philip) Hall and Christine (Paul) Campbell. Cherished grandmother of Matthew (Laura), Ryan (Alex), Nathan (Tiah), Michaela (Andrew), Aaron and Justin; great grandmother of Morgan, Miles, Teagan and Adley.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116, where the family will receive family and friends on Thursday from 9:30 until time of Mass at St. Christopher's gathering place in church. Family suggest in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Hospice, 6707 State Road, Parma,

ОН. 44134 at staugministries.org/holy-family/holy-family-home-inpatient-care/

Throughout Irene's distinguished career, she devoted herself to public service in Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland. She served as Deputy Auditor in charge of the Cuyahoga County payroll for eight years and played a instrumental role in computerizing the county's record-keeping system. She was the Personnel Administrator and Secretary of the Civil Service Commission of the City of Cleveland for seventeen years. Irene supervised the classification of more than 10,000 employees across over 800 seperate job classifications. In 1985 Irene helped oversee the successful installation of computerized systems to monitor test administration and grading.

Following her retirement from public service in 1989, she embarked on a successful second career in hospitality and food management. Irene owned and managed M.I Morrow, Inc., managing Sleepy Hollow Golf Course from 1989 to 1991 which included running dinners, luncheons, golf outings, concessions, training restaurant employees in food service techniques, and proper service and attire. She also managed the Olde River Yacht Club from 1991 to 1992 which included running a restaurant, cabana bar, and private parties. From 1998 to 1999 she was an assistant to an office manager at lakeside Yacht Club.

One of her greatest legacies, however, was her life long commitment to civic involvement and community leadership. She served as Executive Secretary of the Association of Polish Women in 1975 as well as serving as Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the American Nationalities Movement from 978 to 1999 which included 35 unique nationality groups. In 1999, she was elected president of American Nationalities Movement and was in office from 1999 to 2018. Irene was selected to be honored by Barbara Bush as one of the forty outstanding Ohio Women Achievers in 1982.

Amongst other achievements Irene was honored as Polish Person of the Year in 1985 by the Polonia Foundation, honored as a member of the year by the American Nationalities Movement in 1988, elected first women as president of the Republican Ripon Club in 1989, and received the Certificate of Recognition in 1989 from Baldwin Wallace College for her example of moving successfully from the public to the private sector.

Irene's dedication was recognized with numerous honors, including the Certificate Merit from the Knights of Columbus in 1991, an Appreciation Award from the United Hungarian Societies in 1991, and a Certificate of Recognition from the Cuyahoga County Republican Organization in 1994. In 1997, International Services honored her outstanding contributions to the community , and that same year she was featured in an article by the Plain Dealer with Reporter William F. Miller.

Irene was especially proud to receive the Key to the City from both Mayor Ralph J. Perk and Mayor George V. Voinovich in recognition of her distinguished service. In 200, she received a special award of appreciation from the Vietnamese Community for her continued dedication and support.

As a passionate community leader, Irene, served as a Board Member of International Services, Vice President of the Kirby Manor Board of Trustees, and a member of the Community Advisory Board at Lutheran Hospital. She was also an active member of the Early Settlers Association and the Cleveland Museum of Art. In 2003 she was inducted into the Knights and Ladies of Pulaski.

One of her most enduring legacies was the establishment of the Ralph J. Perk Memorial Fund through the Fairview Lutheran Foundation. The fund provided free prostate cancer screenings and mammograms at Lutheran Hospital, reflecting her deep commitment to the health and well-being of her community.

Irene's many contributions were recognized with several distinguished honors. In 2010, Irene was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact and commitment to excellence. In 2013, she received the Freedom award from the American Nationality Movement, recognizing her dedication and service. Most recently, in 2024, she was honored with the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Nationality Movement, celebrating a lifetime of meaningful accomplishments and enduring influence.

Irene will be remembered for her compassion, leadership, and lifelong dedication to helping others. Her generosity and service touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.