Irene Rodechko

irene rodechko
Irene was born in Brooklyn, NY. She is the oldest of three children born to Helen and Donald Brown. Irene has two brothers, Allan and Donald. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead. Irene received her bachelor's degree from Queens College where she was a member of Bali Hai. In 1965 she married Paul Rodechko and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage together. Irene worked as a teacher prior to having her three daughters; Lisa, Laura and Diana. When the girls were still young, Irene returned to Dowling College and earned her Master's Degree in Special Education. Irene worked for many years as a special education teacher, in public school, and at AHRC. She enjoyed her work with students immensely and often kept in touch with her students and their families after they moved on. Irene retired from teaching in 2004. Irene was active in retirement. She was very involved with Holy Cross church where she was a Eucharistic Minister, participated in Bible study, ministered to the sick and elderly and attended mass regularly. Irene was a devoted grandmother and enjoyed visiting her grandchildren Ben, Chris and Daniel in New Hampshire, and Miles in Buffalo. When not visiting them, she would often send homemade cards, and gifts and frequently call them. When she was still able to travel freely, Irene enjoyed visiting Laura in North Carolina. Irene was a devoted aunt to her nieces Patti, Debbie, Cindy, Chrissy, Katie, Jean and Amy. Irene also loved her niece's children.Irene enjoyed time spent with The Homemakers club in Lake Grove and the Red Hats where she had many friends and enjoyed many luncheons and activities. She loved spending time on the boat with Paul. They enjoyed overnight trips on the boat to New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Block Island, Montauk, and Connecticut. Irene and Paul also enjoyed many excursions to New York City where they walked across the many bridges, especially the Brooklyn Bridge. Irene devoted her life to helping others. Her special education career touched the lives of many students and families. In retirement Irene wrote letters on a weekly basis to anyone she felt needed a kind word and to let people know she was thinking of them. She was kind and thoughtful to her family, her friends and neighbors and always went out of her way to help others. She brightened up the world for everyone and will be missed more than words can say.

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Guestbook

  1. Irene, my friend, I will miss you so much. You have been an important part of my life. I knew that God put us together when I moved next door to you. My heart is breaking.

  2. Irene, my friend, I will miss you so much. You have been an important part of my life. I knew that God put us together when I moved next door to you. My heart is breaking.

  3. For more than fifty years Irene has been our sister-in-law. Jim knew her when she was a youthful neighbor on Stuart Avenue in Malverne and had just begun to date Paul, her future husband. Ginger met Irene on the day she married Paul in April, 1965. In considering the years that followed, the two of us agree we have never met a person who personified goodness and decency as much as Irene has. Her kindness, her concern to always do the right thing, her calming influence, and her generosity will not be forgotten. She never had a bad word or negative view to express about others and often took pains to cite something good about people she knew only slightly. She was devoted to her family, but she was also a friend to all who knew her. Although a quiet person, she took special joy in life and lived it with an adventurous spirit. She was at ease whether flying to visit family members, on weekend boat trips across Long Island sound, or hiking with her husband across New York’s many bridges. Moreover, her courageous and quiet struggle against illnesses she confronted over these last years, should stand as an example for us all. Words cannot describe how much we will miss her. Ginger and Jim Rodechko

  4. May God Bless you and your family. I will always remember the pictures of your grandchildren that you were so proud of. I also remember good times at Cedar Rd. The work you did with the participants at AHRC was always above and beyond. You were a very special lady. I also appreciated the cards you sent. May you rest in peace. Your funeral mass was lovely.God Bless, Debbie

  5. i have your robe Rara. I miss you soooooooooooooo much.I love you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Merry Christmas

  6. My Grandma was the kindest person ever to walk the planet, and she is the perfect model for those who strive to be loving and kind. I’ll miss you Grandma, but I know I will see you again. XOXO Daniel


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