Irene Opolka
Irene Opolka
LORETTO — Irene Opolka, age 104, of Naples, Fla., passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 2, 2024, under the care of Avow Hospice of Naples.
She was born on Dec. 25, 1919, in Loretto, the daughter of the late Louis and Vencenzia (Conti) Solfanelli.
Irene married Anton Opolka at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Loretto on July 10, 1943. Anton preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 2003.
She was a member of St. Stephen Altar Society. Faith, family and friends were the center of her life.
Irene was happy to be a part of the war effort during WWII, working as a riveter on airplane wings at Murray Corporation of America in Detroit; she was called “Irene the Riveter.”
She loved being in her kitchen. Some things she enjoyed making were homemade spaghetti, raviolis, pasties and special desserts for her family and friends who looked forward to eating at their home when they were in town. Irene liked sewing, knitting, crocheting and playing solitaire on her tablet.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Rosemary (Tony) Kordowski of Naples; and son, Robert (Judy) Opolka of Midlothian, Texas; granddaughters, Irene (David) Gardiner, Kimberly (Blake) Biddick, Kelly (Aaron) Griffin; eight great-grandchildren, all who live in Texas; and several nieces, nephews and many special friends who kept in touch with Irene after she left Loretto.
She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Americo Solfanelli, Rose DeBernardi, Elia Chounard, Ester Cerra and Alice Stanchina.
Irene remained a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan after leaving Loretto. She spent time every year living with her son and her daughter to be with her family.
Her family would like to thank all the caregivers at Avow Hospice, for their wonderful care of mom.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at St Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Barbara Church, with Fr. Marty Flynn officiating.
Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery.
Condolences to the family of Irene may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements announced by the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.