Irene S. Arabek, 85, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2019 with her loving family by her side. Born on July 19, 1934 in Middletown, CT, she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Adela (Karwoski) Specyalski, and wife of the late Edward J. Arabek.
Irene enjoyed a very successful career as a keypuncher for GFOX in Hartford, CT. Over the years, she was also a devoted worker for Friendly’s Ice Cream in East Hartford, CT and Brialee Campground in Ashford, CT. Irene loved Polka music, spending many summers at Ocean Beach Park’s “Polkabration”, and was President of the Ray Henry Polka band for many years. She enjoyed bowling, being the family photographer, was a lifelong UCONN Basketball and Dallas Cowboys fan, and was always starting new “collections” – bells, snowmen and beanie babies – to name a few. Her personalized smiley-face doodles in every greeting card will be forever cherished by her family and friends.
A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be forever missed by her three children: Karen Olszewski and Dennis Polisky, Judy Padewski and husband Brice, Debbie Serafin and husband Walter; seven grandchildren: Nicole Berthiaume and husband Josh, Jennifer Serafin, Kristin Serafin and Travis Clark, Briana Padewski, Alyssa Padewski, Gino Padewski and wife Alyssa, and her four great grandchildren: Riley and Lucas Berthiaume, and Ava and Aubrey Padewski. She also leaves behind a sister, many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. Irene was predeceased by her brother Edmund (Sonny) Specyalski and great grandson Zack Kittredge. The family would like to express our appreciation to Masonicare especially Eileen and “Jackie”.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday December 3, 2019, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home located at 318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT.
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