Irene Hildinger

Mrs. Irene Hildinger (nee) Dapkewicz passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, just two days shy of her 97th birthday. Born on September 9, 1928, in the Bronx, New York, Irene lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, her students, and the arts.

Irene was the daughter of Eleanor and John Dapkewicz and sister to Evelyn Talactac. She pursued further education in the early 1950s, which was unique for women at that time. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Hunter College before going on to achieve a Master of Education from Columbia University. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career in education.

For three decades, Irene served as a Home Economics teacher in the Irvington school system in New York. Teaching both middle and high school students, she brought warmth and humor into every classroom. Her children often ran into former students who would always tell them how much they loved “Mrs. Hildinger” and to say “hi.” When she retired from education, Irene became a corporate librarian for Texaco.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, Irene was a faithful parishioner at Holy Name of Mary Church in Croton for over 50 years. She regularly attended Mass and instilled strong values of faith in her children.

Irene loved the arts and regularly enjoyed attending the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, and Broadway. She often invited family and friends to share these experiences with her. Irene was also a voracious reader and passed that love on to her daughter.

Above all else, Irene was a devoted mother to Nora Lee Hildinger (and her husband John Matthews), Rolf William Hildinger (and his wife Veronica), loving grandmother to Casimir Quinlan (and his wife Stephanie), and youngest grandson, Gabriel Quinlan. Two years ago, Irene was blessed to become a great-grandmother to Ava Robin, Casimir’s daughter. Her family was central to her life’s purpose; she was a fixture at her son Rolf’s sporting events, even crossing “enemy lines” from the Irvington side to the Croton side when Irvington was their rival. Her response to one of her students was “Sorry, guys. Today, I’m a Tiger.”

Irene’s presence lit up every room. To know her was to love her. May Irene’s memory continue to inspire those who knew her and may the light she brought into this world never be dimmed.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home, 41 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Mary Church, 110 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. Interment to follow at Bethel Cemetery, Old Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.