Irene A. Kowalski of Manchester, formerly of Danbury, died Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Manchester Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Lawrence, Mass. on December 15, 1924 to the late Frank and Helen Jedziniak. Irene recently celebrated her 91st birthday. She was raised in Danbury and graduated from Danbury High School. Irene married Edward W. Kowalski, her devoted husband of 68 years, on June 21, 1947 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Danbury. When her children completed high school and college, Irene returned to work at National Semiconductor in Danbury. She was employed for 25 years as Assistant Engineer until the company moved to Santa Clara, California. She then decided to retire to Manchester to be closer to her children. Irene, an amateur artist at heart, loved to draw. She designed and drew every Birthday and Christmas card she sent to her grandchildren, and to this day her grandchildren have saved and treasured every single one. Also an amateur seamstress, she created and sewed her daughter, Cathy's, ballet costumes and numerous costumes for her children's school plays. The best caregiver ever, Irene always put her family before herself. She took such good care of her husband Ed, who will turn 96 on February 1. She was a blessing in our lives and her love has made our lives brighter. The cherished memories of Irene will live in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Irene is survived by her husband Edward and three children, Dr. Chester Kowalski and wife Nancy of Middle Haddam, Dr. Cathleen Kowalski of Manchester, and Dr. Kenneth Kowalski and wife Irene of Burlington. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Lauren Iraeta and husband Lee, Andrea Cekala and husband Alex, Samantha Kowalski, Daniel Quatrocelli and his fiancée Amanda Francini, Kenneth Kowalski and Thomas Kowalski, and two great grandchildren Isabella and Xavier Iraeta, and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday January 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Church in Manchester. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Glastonbury. Family and friends may call on Monday prior to the Mass from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to the Office of Radio and Television, Archdiocese of Hartford, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712-1052. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com