Irene Vivian Colsky

COLSKY, Irene Vivian, age 96, passed away Monday morning, June 30, 2025. She was born in 1929 in Passaic, New Jersey to Abraham and Minnie Belen, recent immigrants from Russia. She graduated New York University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. She was introduced to her future husband, Dr. Jacob Colsky, whom she married in 1953. They had three children. After Jacob’s untimely passing at the age of 60, she provided steady guidance for each of her children to ensure successful academic and future professional opportunities. Irene’s passion was education. She enjoyed taking leadership roles - the list of her accomplishments in this field is long. She was always involved in each child’s school parent-teacher association (PTA). In 1974, as president of the PTA of George Washington Carver Junior High, Irene led the removal of a hazardous community incinerator known as “Old Smokey.” At the age of 53, Irene received her Masters of Education from the University of Miami. She continued her studies to earn her Doctorate of Education at the age of 58. She joined the faculty in the Department of Education at the University of Miami as an adjunct professor and was deemed a favorite instructor by her students. She served as a president of her chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization of women in the field of education. She was a member of the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD). She continued teaching at various academic institutions including the Lear School, St. Thomas University and Miami Dade College. She greatly enjoyed teaching and learning and created her “Brain Power” enterprise to teach memory concepts to cruise ship passengers. She was an engaging speaker and her lectures were always highly attended. Irene was involved in many community endeavors as well. She received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the South Dade Chamber of Commerce. She was an active member of the Osher Life Long Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Miami where she created a curriculum focused on health and wellness taught by prominent community physicians and health experts. Those lectures were always highly anticipated and attended. She developed her signature “Mom’s Cookies” which were favorite personalized treats that she baked and provided to the patients of her son’s dermatology practice. Each cookie was baked with love then labeled and packaged with her special logo. Patients would request “Mom’s Cookies” - her brand was a well-known community favorite. Irene loved to bake personalized batches as a gesture of appreciation for those who touched her life. Her home was always open and accepting and she would make sure everyone was well taken care of. Her overriding devotion for the health, well-being and success of all of her family was always her top priority that knew no bounds. Her limitless love and support for her children and extended family will be forever cherished. Irene is survived by her three children, Dr. Liane Colsky Ozer, Dr. Arthur (Suelyn) Colsky, and Andrew Colsky, Esq, and grandchildren, Remy Ozer and Matthew Colsky.

A funeral service will be held at Bet Shira Congregation, located at 7500 SW 120th St, Miami, FL 33156, on July 2, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.

The committal will take place at Lakeside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 10301 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33172, on July 2, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.