Irene (Polek) Jesiolowski

IRENE JESIOLOWSKI

Irene Jesiolowski left this world, her family, and friends on Friday, June 21, 2019.  Her laughter, generosity, and sense of fun were her most enduring and endearing qualities. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Jesiolowski and son Michael Jesiolowski, her parents Anna and John Polek, brothers Leo Polek and Benjamin Polek, sisters Stella Glinski, Jean Holden, and Helen O’Pella. 

After graduating from Roxborough High School, Irene was employed as a bookkeeper for the Pennsylvania Railroad and later as the bookkeeper for J.W. Ivory Co. She also worked at Strawbridge & Clothier in downtown Philadelphia selling hats and fine-tuning her innate sense of style and fashion. A stint as an aide to renowned vaudeville couple, Bert and Frank Cotter, taught her that entertaining and bringing joy to others is a noble skill.  

Irene and her husband owned and operated Ivy Terrace Florists for over thirty years, where they shared their creative talents with multi-generations throughout the City of Philadelphia.  After retiring from the flower business, Irene served as the Residence Manager for the Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. 

All who knew her shall be forever grateful for all that she did for them and meant to them.  Her hands were always filled with giving, a song was always on her lips, and her heart was always full.

Irene is survived by her children Patricia Weissman (William), Carole Jesiolowski (Judy), and Jack Jesiolowski (Diana); grandchildren Kristin, Vanessa, and Jessah, and great-grandchild Aidan.  Calling hours will be held at St. Josaphat Church, 124 Cotton Street in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 26, between 9:00 and 11:00 a. m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. Internment will follow at Westminster Cemetery. Contributions in honor of Irene Jesiolowski may be sent to Compassus Hospice, 601 Office Center Drive, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19034.

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