Irene Barbara Winarski passed away on January 9, 2026, surrounded by love, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family beyond grateful for her 100 years of life well lived.

Irene Barbara Winarski, born July 4, 1925, peacefully lived a full and remarkable life rooted in faith, family, and selflessness. She reached the extraordinary milestone of 100 years old on Independence Day, a fitting celebration for a woman whose spirit was strong, steady, and independent.

The youngest of six children, Irene carried with her a quiet resilience and warmth that defined her throughout her life. She was married to her beloved husband, Leonard, for just one day shy of 60 years, a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and partnership.

Irene devoted many years of her working life as a cashier at A&P, where she retired after 17 years of service. In the 1980s, Irene and Lenny moved from the Detorit area to Luzerne, Michigan, which became home for many cherished years. Grandma and Grandpas house on the hill was a sanctuary for their grandkids where so many warm family memories were made. Irene and Lenny often spent the wintertime in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where they enjoyed the warmth and sunshine of the desert.

Irene had a deep love for the water and spent over 20 years in St. Clair Shores, always keeping the boat spotless and shipshape. Fishing was another joy, especially perch fishing on Drummond Island with her family.

A woman of great faith, Irene prayed the rosary regularly and found comfort and meaning in her relationship with God. Her prayers were powerful. One of her favorite places to visit was Cross in the Woods Indian River, a place that held special significance in her heart. Irene was an agent of great morality and shaped the hearts of many in her family to fight the good fight and live with integrity.

Irene loved to travel, journeying across the country many times and even visiting Italy with her daughter Debbie, creating memories that spanned continents and generations. She also enjoyed visiting Alcatraz, embracing history and adventure with curiosity.

Life's simple pleasures brought her great happiness - dancing (especially polka), playing Pinochle and Bingo, hunting for treasures at garage sales, watching NASCAR, and enjoying gambling, a cold beer (with sugar in it!), or the occasional shot of blackberry brandy.

Above all else, Irene was a wonderful mother and grandmother who so deeply loved her family. Her presence was steady, her care unwavering, and her love unconditional. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, laughter, faith, and strength that will live on through those who knew and loved her.

Irene is survived by daughter, Debbie (Bob) Bonkoski; daughter-in-law, Mary Kathleen Winarski; grandchildren, Karen (David) Dubriwny, Kristine (Paul) Davis, Lexi (George Frye) Bondar, and Jacob Bondar; step-grandson, Rob Bonkoski; great-grandchildren, Erin (Tyler) Hanson, Rachel Dubriwny, Matthew Davis, Michael Davis, Jennifer Davis, Apollo Frye, and Sylvia Frye; and great-great-grandchildren, Roman, Eli, Kenna, and Bryson.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Winarski and son, Kenneth Winarski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Irene to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.