Irene Agnes Cecelia Zielonka Orsak

   Irene Agnes Cecelia Zielonka Orsak was born January 17, 1920 in Ratcliff, Texas to Steven Joseph Zielonka and Madeline Agnes Hahn and died March 10, 2018 in Denton, Texas.     She was the third of 11 children born. She attended Ratcliff school and Cuero High School. She was removed from school by her father to take care of his ailing parents during her senior year. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of finishing high school by completing her GED in her early fifties. While working in Bay City, Irene met her future husband, Joseph Anthony Orsak, at a wedding where Joe was a member of the choir. They were married in Bay City on Feb. 24, 1941.     Throughout their marriage of 45 years, Irene followed Joe as he pursued his career as a Master Electrician. As she supported Joe in his career, Irene raised five children while at the same time working jobs in retail sales. Some of her more interesting jobs were being a hand model for hosiery for JC Penney in the 40’s and working in a custom boot store in Yoakum and having to tell Clint Eastman he couldn’t buy a pair of boots unless he paid cash for them, which he did not have.     Irene was an avid reader all her life, especially biographies. Irene loved being active all of her life, playing baseball with the boys, playing tennis with her husband, walking throughout her life and especially dancing whenever and where ever she was given the opportunity.     Irene excelled at cooking throughout her life, was an avid gardener and canner. She had gardens where ever she lived and cooked meals for her elderly neighbors in both Bay City and Goliad. Irene participated in the Altar Society and the PTA, and was a member of the Catholic Daughters throughout her children’s schooling.     Irene also participated in a supper club where members prepared meals for each other. In 1999 Irene moved to Denton to reside in her own apartment behind the residence of her daughter Karen Jackson and son-in-law Reed Jackson. No matter where Irene lived, she will be remembered for her sense of humor and her ability to make lasting friendships. I don’t believe that she ever met anyone who did not admire her for her accomplishments.     Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe, her son Jeffrey, her daughter Sophia Alicia, her brothers Alvin, Edward, Joe, Emil and Jack and her sisters Emelia, Ella, Corinne, and Dolores.     Irene is survived by her sister Mary Jo, her sons Steven Orsak (Betty) and Gary Orsak (Denise), her daughter Dr. Karen A. Jackson (Reed), 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.     A special thanks to the incredible caregivers in Denton, Medical City Denton Hospital and Denton Rehabilitation Center.     A memorial service was held Thursday, March 15 at 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton. An additional memorial service will be held in Cuero at the St. Michaels Catholic Church on March 23 or March 24.     Online condolences may be made at www.mulkeybowlesmontgomery.com