Irene W. Lednik passed away Sunday, May 19th, 2024. She was my Mom, and she was a treasure beyond compare. She was born in Etowah, (Et-O-Wah) AK on October 23, 1927. Mom had four sisters, Polly, Jane, Barbara, and Gina, and three brothers Roy, Herman and Don so she had a built in friend group. Polly, Jane and Roy preceded Mom in death, but she still had a deep and abiding love for Don, Herman, Barbara and Gina and they all spoke with her in her final hours. Let me tell you Mom had stories about growing up in rural Arkansas, in the 1930's that were amazing. I can't tell you all of them, but one that really moved me was: The family moved around a lot, so she didn't get a chance to make any real best friends. However, in one place they lived, her best friend was an African American girl. After putting in the long hours she had to working on the farm she
would go to her friend's house and listen to Jazz records, and dance around with her. To say this was unusual for the times is an understatement. Her Dad was very progressive for the times, and would not allow any of his family to show any kind of prejudice toward any group of people. Mom is survived by two sons, Brian and David, and one daughter, Teresa. She lost one son Gary, many years ago. She had twelve grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She lived most of her final years with her beloved granddaughter Amie Hussy. When she needed full time care she moved into ElderHealth Living and Memory Village, in Springfield, OR. Even there she charmed many of the workers, who affectionately called her Grandma Irene. She remarried a little later in life, but she found her true love in Steve Lednik. Unfortunately Steve passed away just about a year after they were married, she missed him dearly right up until the end. She will soon be laid to rest right next to him at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi, California. She was the strongest lady I have ever known, features that almost all her granddaughters display. She was also extremely giving, and willing to help anyone that asked. She is going to be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.
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