Irene P. (Zawada) Klocek, 92, of Utica, NY, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 18, 2016. She was born on April 4, 1924, in Utica, NY, to Anthony and Jadwiga (Glab) Zawada. She grew up in a large family, with eleven brothers and sisters. Irene attended Holy Trinity Church Grammar School and Utica Free Academy. On July 25, 1948, Irene married Theodore (Ted) J. Klocek. They had two daughters, Renee (Klocek) Zanellato of Phoenix, AZ and Yvonne Klocek of St. Paul, MN. They were married for 59 years when Ted passed away on February 10, 2007. Irene devoted herself to being a homemaker and mother. She also worked as a nurses’ aide at the Presbyterian Nursing Home, New Hartford, NY, for over 18 years until her retirement in1986. Irene had many hobbies. She was an excellent seamstress and baker. She was known for her delicious cakes and pies which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Irene is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Klocek, son-in-law, Kevin (Renee) Zanellato, grandson, Robert Merriman (Susan), great grandson, Lincoln Merriman, and great granddaughter, Kylie Merriman, brother, John Zawada (Dolores), as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Renee Zanellato on October 22, 2015. Visitation will be held at Heintz Funeral Service, 408 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY, on April 25, 2016, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. A mass will follow at 11:30 a.m., St. Peter’s Church in North Utica, NY. We wish to express our gratitude to the excellent, caring staff at the Sitrin Home who helped to make Irene’s last days more comfortable and peaceful. A special thank you to family, friends and neighbors for their many acts of kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.