Irene Lachowski Smakula, age 90 years old, passed away suddenly but peacefully on December 12, 2019 at Haven Hospice at JFK Medical Center. She was surrounded by her family and friends she loved most in this world.

Irene was born in Mount Carmel, PA on February 1, 1929, to Stanislaus and Alexandra Lachowski. She was the last of their 8 children. She moved to Jersey City, NJ at the age of 17. In 1957, she moved to the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township with her husband Andrew, where they raised their 3 children.

Irene lived a full and faith-filled life up until the moment of her passing. She was devoted to her faith and St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church, and was volunteering at their Christmas Bazaar just a few days before her passing. She held many leadership positions at St. Andrew's, where she served on the Finance Committee, was President of the Altar Rosary Society, chairperson of many fundraisers, Religious Education teacher, a Eucharistic Minister, and active member of the Saint Vincent dePaul Society, helping families in need.

Irene had a long career with AT&T, beginning with Western Electric, where she met many of her lifelong friends, and husband, Andrew, whom she married in 1952. She was a 'career woman' at a time when many of her peers did not work outside the home. She advanced into middle management of AT&T, retiring as Manager – Human Resources, in 1987.

After retirement, Irene became a certified exercise instructor and taught classes at senior centers in Woodbridge Township. She and husband Andrew enjoyed many trips and educational classes with the 'Elder Hostel' program, and participated in a number of religious pilgrimages to Europe, hosted by St. Andrew's.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was most proud of her Polish heritage and upheld many customs and traditions for Christmas and Easter celebrations year after year. She loved to cook, bake and crochet -- she made afghans for every member of her family, all her friends, and for the church bazaars.

Irene will be forever remembered by her loving husband of 67 years, Andrew of Avenel; her children Andrea Mulligan of Mickleton, NJ; Lorraine Mochnacz (Robert) of Somerset, NJ; Andrew John Smakula (Tricia O'Keefe) of Shanghai, China. And her grandsons Daniel Mulligan of Philadelphia, PA; Patrick Mulligan of Athlone, Ireland; and Liam Mulligan of Jackson Hole, WY. Irene is the last of her siblings, predeceased by 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, December 16, 2019, beginning with Visitation at 9:00 am at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:00 am at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Avenel. Interment at St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia.