Irene Bunkowski

Irene Bunkowski, 90, of Ithaca, passed away June 28, 2016 at her home with her son, Steven and her daughter, Halina at her bedside.

Irena, known to her friends as Irene, was born in Skorkow, Poland on August 17, 1925 to Michal and Katherine Bebel. Irena immigrated to this country from Germany with her husband, Walter (Wladyslaw) Bunkowski, son Richard and daughter, Halina in 1952. When Irena was still a teenager, WW II started. She was captured and forced into slave labor by the Nazi Regime in Germany.

Irena was a hard worker and a busy woman all of her life and had several interesting careers. She owned and ran a daycare center for many years in Ithaca. She was co-chairman of the Tompkins County Mother's Association. Following that she was the owner and caregiver of a group home for Broome County Developmental. She had also worked at Cornell University and was a long time member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

In addition to her parents, husband, and son, Richard, Irina was also preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters in Poland. She is survived by her son, Steven Bunkowski of Ithaca; her daughter, Halina Brinegar of Sparks, NV; grandson, Eric Brinegar and her great grandchildren, Brad and Lindsey Brinegar.

Irina enjoyed her family and friends deeply and was loved and cherished in kind. She will be missed.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Bangs Funeral Home followed by interment at the Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Lung Association. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospicare.