Obituary of Irene J. Berke

Irene Bartash Berke: Irondequoit, Sept. 15, 2017, age 93. Survived by 2 children, Lori (Paul) Miller and Steve (Joyce Wichie); grandson, Jim (Aryn) Miller; sister, Dolores (Willis) Bruton; sister-in-law, Joanne Bartash; and a large extended family. Predeceased by Walter, her loving husband of 52 years; brothers, Jack and Richard; and good friend Lou Shopes. The proud daughter of Lithuanian immigrants, Irene worked at Taylor Instruments during WWII, making components for the Manhattan Project, and later was librarian at Christ the King School. She and Walter drove Route 66, rode camels past the pyramids of Egypt and explored their heritage in Lithuania, among other adventures. Active at Christ the King, they also volunteered with the developmentally disabled. Irene played the piano and enjoyed genealogy, cards and dancing, and she answered the door in costume every Halloween. Above all, and to the end, she was devoted to family and friends, never missing a chance to share stories and laughter with loved ones. Irene and her family are grateful to the caregivers who helped her remain at home until her recent illness, Shirley, Jeanne, Cheri, Linda, Kristen & Kathy. Calling hours SUNDAY 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home 570 Kings Highway South with a Prayer Service at 5:30 PM and a Reception to follow. Interment private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leo Center for Caring 1500 Portland Ave. Rochester 14621.