Irene Mary Kaczanowicz Pawlowski, 85, of North Haven, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the MidState Medical Center, Meriden. She was born in Northampton, MA on October 24, 1928; daughter of the late John and Mary Gieraz Kaczanowicz. After graduation high school she received her teacher’s certification from American International College in Springfield, MA, and was a star player for their basketball team. She retired from the North Haven School System after 36 years as a school teacher primarily as a 3rd grade teacher at Green Acres & Center St Elementary Schools. A devote catholic she also taught catechism at St. Francis Cabrini Church and was a member of their Garden Club. She loved the ocean shore, especially Cape Cod, and volunteered at the Gaylord Hospital and local Soups Kitchens. Irene had many artistic talents, and was most noted for her egg decorating and knitting. Survive by nephews John Kaczanowicz and his wife Amy, Paul Kaczanowicz and his wife Cindy both of NY, Mark Kaczanowicz and his wife Lucy of PA, and the late Dana Kaczanowicz. Sister of the late John Kaczanowicz. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to family and friends, Jay and Jill Pawlowski, Linda Remillard and Anna Ferretti and everyone who helped and supported Irene.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Friday morning at 9:30 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Frances Cabrini Church at 10:00. Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Oneida, NY at a later date. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gaylord Hospital, 50 Gaylord Farm Road, Wallingford, CT 06492.
We want to express our deepest sympathy to John, Mark, Paul, Jay and their families for their loss. Irene will always be in our hearts, we were very blessed for having known her for 15 years. May she rest in peace.
Irene was a beautiful person in every way. She was my son Karl's favorite teacher and he stayed in contact with her to the end. My deepest sympathy to her family. She told me once that even though she wasn't blessed with children of her own, she had hundreds.
What a lovely woman, fantastic teacher and an inspiration. I am lucky to have been a student of hers at Green Acres Elemenatary. My fondest memory is of the beautiful Easter eggs she taught us how to decorate. I truly do think of her every Easter. Rest in Peace you beautiful woman.
Our sincere condolences to Irene's family for your loss!! I was blessed to know Irene and honored to call her my friend! She's at peace now and may you find comfort and your own peace in all your cherished memories of Irene!! I know I smile when I think of her! God bless you all!
My heartfelt sympathy to your family..I had Mrs P for third grade in the late 50's and she has always been in my heart since then. I have never been touched by such a dear, loving person and never will again. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend her services to show her the respect and love that is in my heart for her, but I know that she will be looking down with that enthusiastic twinkle in her eyes and she will see how truly loved she was by all her students….Godspeed my friend..until we meet again…Much love and peace…
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Pawlowski's family and friends. She was my third grade teacher at Green Acres Elementary School more than 35 years ago. She was a skilled educator, but more than that, a caring and compassionate woman who made a commitment to many young people in North Haven over the years. May she rest in peace.
I absolutely loved Mrs. Pawlowski! I wished I had had her as a teacher while attending Center School. She was so full of kindness and love and we got on so well that, whenever I met her in later years I was flattered that she thought I had actually been one of her students! There could be no better role model than Mrs. P. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed by all of us.
Irene was a lovely person to all she met. She taught CCD in our program for many years and she was loved by the students. Her Christian heritage lives on with her "children" that she shared her faith with. RIP and my sympathy to her family on their loss.
I had the pleasure of being in Irene's company during small prayer group meetings at her home. She along with the other elders in our group provided a foundation of love and respect as well as meaningful and insightful conversation. I will miss her spirited nature and the sparkle in her eyes. My sincerest sympathy.
I will always be very grateful to Mrs. Pawlowski. She was a passionate teacher and was very giving of her time. She tutored me and another girl who also struggled in third grade. She picked us up and brought us to her home so we would be ready for fourth grade.
She was very special and touched so many lives.
Peace be with you Mrs. Pawlowski and thankyou very much.
My deepest sympathy to her family. She was my third grade teacher at Center School and one of the best. She inspired in me the love of teaching and I went on to teach third grade for 30 years. She also taught me how to knit. I think of her so often and she will be truly missed. She touched so many hearts, may she rest in peace.
Thank you Mrs. Pawlowski. You taught me many things at a tender age, but most of all thank you for your PATIENCE with me. I was nothing but trouble, yet you somehow saw the human inside that little brat!
Godspeed, and may you rest in peace.
We will miss a dear neighbor, family friend and a great educator. Lots of fond memories of special times with Irene. I will always remember Irene during Easter and the hand painted eggs she spent hours teaching me to decorate! Irene was my husband's hot air ballooning buddy while visiting us in Troy, NY! We will miss Irene- but will hold dear our special remembrances.
By far the best teacher I had. No other was as supportive, patient and caring as she. I have enormous respect for her and an appreciation that has not faded 30 years later.
Thank you Mrs. P. for teaching me how all the little things in life mattered. You were always so patient teaching us Bouie knitting using an old wooden thread spool. We had to have at least 2 feet knitted and then you would crochet it into a rug…it was an on going project and a reward. My Dad also taught in North Haven and if I acted up, the words, "Miss Prete, there is a man in town I can call" always put the fear of God into me. I am so blessed to have had her as a teacher. What a truly lovely woman.
It is not possible for me to fully express the impact that Mrs. P had on me, and especially my self worth. I was one of the children that was bused from the inner city to a suburban school back in the 70’s. There were several adults that made me feel as if I did not belong there. I always felt safe and smart in Mrs. P’s class. She made me believe in myself despite what I was experiencing. As a business professional, a mentor, and a community activist I embrace that fact that I, and the people that I touch, owe her so much. I knew Mr.s P to be a loving educator and a beautiful child of God. This world is a better place because she lived.