Irene Kwasnik, dedicated arts patron

Irene Kwasnik, 81, of Bethany Beach, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017, after a long illness. Irene was born Sept. 20, 1935, in Saddle Brook, N.J., daughter of the late Martin and Frances (Pierog) Serafin.

Originally from New Jersey, Irene retired to Delaware in 2008. Prior to her retirement, Irene served as the municipal tax collector in Kinnelon, N.J., and served in several civic and professional organizations.

Irene loved the beach, and enjoyed her retirement in Delaware where she remained very active. Irene maintained a lifelong passion for the arts and was a patron of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Irene was a loving, generous, and vivacious woman and will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thaddeus (Ted) Kwasnik; and her brother, Martin Serafin. Irene is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth Blair (Keith) of Shamong, N.J., and Hilary Cole (Jeff) of Wilmington, N.C.; son Thaddeus Kwasnik (Kathy) of Sparta, N.J.; her grandchildren: Katherine Blair-Pozzuoli (Stephen), Stephanie Cole, and Alison Cole; and stepgrandchildren, Amanda and Christopher Sobotor.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday May 27, at 11 a.m,. at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, 34874 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105.

Please visit Mrs. Kwasnik's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.