I remember how bright and how interested in books and writing she was. Her home was filled with books, and she was an interesting person to talk to. She provided an interesting contrast to her husband, Dave, an attorney, who loved to talk quickly and forcefully. Irene was more reflective and thoughtful. Both were smart and nice people, and they raised a smart and nice son in James. Her death is significant. I had not been in contact with her for more than 50 years, but I remember her very well.

My condolences to Irene's family and may her memory be for a blessing. I was in Patty Dann's writing class with Irene for the last two years. Who was the amazing woman who made the trip to the West Side Y all the way from Brooklyn every week, I wondered...?  I was fortunate enough to find out! I also had the honor and pleasure to read her pieces out loud to the group when her eyesight began to fail. Irene will not soon be forgotten and she will be greatly missed by everyone in our class.

Irene was my mentor and a dear, dear friend. Words cannot express my grief. 
Barbara Parisi(New York City)

When I started in Patty's class Irene took it upon herself to accept, encourage and support my writing efforts. Always useful as a critic and a perfectionist as a writer, our time together was enthusiastic but much too short, only a couple of years. We said we would visit in Brooklyn but you got ill before we had a chance. I already have and will continue to miss your sound comments, high standards, and generosity. May your path from here be clear. Much love.

Irene was a talented writer and a strong presence in my writing workshop for over 20 years.  She was a remarkable woman and the novel she was writing, and almost finished, was something many of us looked forward to hearing  each week.
  She was always a model for the younger writers, with her beautifully edited prose and her wise edits of the other students' work.  Irene was technically my student, but someone who taught me so much. She is and will be greatly missed.

Irene, my Dearest Brooklyn Girl,

We are as different as North and South Pole. 44 years apart, you from Brooklyn and I from Hong Kong, but who said we couldn't be buddies. Hello! We were buddies in Patty's class for seven years. After all, we were the only two who wrote fiction in a memoir class, the only two who loved our Patty so much that we kept following her for so many years. You are doing well, just keep going! You used to say to me when I was clearly embarrassing myself to be in a class with all the eloquent writers like you. 
 
I am not ready to let you go. When I spoke to you last week, we had the best conversation. You said you still want to keep writing. Eve's story is not finished. I want to know what is going to happen to her after she separates from her husband. Will she fall in love again? You never give up, no matter how hard it was. It was so difficult for you to come to the West Side to attend the class but you kept coming. You were determined to write your story and probably had no idea how many of us were inspired by you. You showed me a standard that used to make me feel like looking up at the moon. No one can write better dialogue that you, Irene. I used to hail the cab for you after every class and so many cabs would pass by while we chatted up a storm. We used to talk about craft before I even understand what craft meant. I didn't know that you were showing me how to get on a rocket. You were so happy for me when I signed up for the MFA program. Irene, I will keep going until I get there, just to live in your spirit. 
 
We used to talk about our families too. You know everything about mine and I know how much you love your son and grandchildren and that you were blessed with family love. You will always be a part of me, as a dear friend, a classmate, as well as a teacher. Your reassuring gaze and kindest encouragement for an insignificant soul will forever be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

OBITUARY

Irene Alterbaum

November 25, 1923 – November 8, 2016

Riverside-Nassau North Chapels

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services