1924-2026
Irene G. Nowak, age 101, of Dundee, NY, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026.
She was the devoted wife of the late Richard Nowak (1916–1999) and loving mother to Patty Nowak and Andrew Comens, Nancy Nowak and Jon Leach, Lois Nowak and Mary Lou Guthrie, and “bad son” John Lamping. She is survived by her brothers Alfred and Raymond Zebrowski, Godchildren Linda Susens Jackson and Wayne Zebrowski, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Greenpoint, NY, in 1924 to Edward Zebrowski and Anna Scheaver, Irene grew up in Port Jefferson Station on Long Island. A gifted student and record-setting athlete at Port Jefferson High School, she later credited her stepfather, Vernon Waldron, as an important influence in her life.
Irene and Richie Nowak were married on August 3, 1947, raising their family in Bellmore, Long Island. She loved creating a warm, playful home, organizing scavenger hunts, summer Kamp Kawon events, and family trips, and enjoying Saturday night Scrabble games with her husband.
In 1979, the couple moved to Dundee, NY, where Irene became active in the community, including several years serving as pastor at Starkey United Methodist Church. She was an enthusiastic photographer, avid gardener, devoted dog and cat mom, and a lifelong reader, particularly of historical works on Abraham Lincoln. She also cherished travel, taking trips across Europe, Canada, the West Coast, Alaska, and the Devil’s Highway with family.
Irene often said she was blessed with a loving family and caring neighbors and friends, especially Deb Parkhurst. Her family fondly remembers her zest for life and her compassionate spirit.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, NY. Burial will be private at Hillside Cemetery, Dundee. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held in the spring of 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Shelter of Hope/Humane Society of Yates County, PO Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (www.yateshumane.org).
Online condolences can be shared at bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.
