Hana Martinek IRWIN

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University of Arizona

Hana IRWIN Obituary

IRWIN, Hana Martinek We are sad to announce that Hana Martinek Irwin passed away peacefully on February 19, 2017. It is difficult to capture her interesting life or its impact on so many people in a few words. She was born on July 25, 1936 in Prague Czechoslovakia to Josef and Marie Martinek, both were naturalized citizens. They were forced to flee to Chicago in 1939 at the threat of the Nazi invasion. Hana shared wonderful stories of her life in Chicago, growing up with her parents and older brothers, Jerry and Joe. In 1947 she and her parents to moved to Tucson. Hana graduated from Tucson High in 1953. She married our father, James E. Irwin, and together they raised "four decent human beings" (Mom's words), Edward (Mary), Kathy (John) Corcoran, Laurel and Margo; two of us went on to raise eight more decent human beings, Allison (Clark) Gordon, Krista (Chris) MacGahan, Jay and Tyler Irwin and Claire, Thomas, Mary Rose and John Paul Corcoran, and one of those (Krista) is now raising two more. Mom was blessed to be able to hold her two great-grandchildren, Hana and Lucas, this past Christmas. She was very proud of us all. At her father's insistence, Hana attended the University of Arizona, and though she never graduated, she was one of the most interesting, knowledgeable and well-read people we have ever known, sharing her love of anthropology, archeology, botany, geology and the history of the Southwest with family and friends. Her true calling was as a wife and mother. Her generosity and wisdom touched many through her years volunteering at Roskruge Elementary and her being like a mom to our friends. She pursued her interest in the Southwest by volunteering at the Arizona State Museum and with Pathfinders at the Arizona Historical Society. Hana lived a rich, full 80 years and was loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Arizona Historical Society at 949 E. 2nd Street. Please bring memories to share. Donations may be made in her name to the Hermitage Cat Shelter, Gospel Rescue Mission, or the Tucson Community Food Bank. Arrangements by FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jun. 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Hana IRWIN

5 Entries

Pat

June 6, 2017

I'm so sorry for the loss your family has suffered. May you gain comfort and strength by pouring out your heart in prayer to God.

Marie Mitchel

June 6, 2017

My mom, Betty Mitchel, and Hanna were the best of friends. They met when my mom moved from Joliet Ill in 1949. They met while attending school and both graduated from Tucson High School in 1953; they attended many of their high school reunions together. My mom used to say that they rode their bikes all over town. Sometimes riding downtown to the Fox theater, catching an occasional Saturday movie. When I was a kid, I remember going over to Hanna's, where we would run and play outside and my mom and Hanna would visit for hours, in the kitchen drinking tea or coffee. Hanna, was the one who planned their adventures and got my mom and my aunt, Winnie attending the Arizona Historical Society meetings and even some of their outings. In recent years, during those rare occasions when my mom's memory was keen, she would once again tell me of their adventures on their "sliver ponies" and about Hanna's dad. My deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to Eddie, Kathy, Laurel, Margo, and their families over the loss of their mom and my mom's dearest friend, Hanna.

with fondest memories,
Marie Mitchel

Josh and Bonetta (Hale) Hutson

Bonetta Hutson

June 5, 2017

Mrs. Irwin was my second mom, from the 5th grade through the birth of both of my sons. She displayed great grace in all the years of dealing with me. I remember her humor and her love displayed to all of her children, and especially to me. Mrs. Irwin showed me what a wife and a mom should be. She was firm and kind, and always loving. I learned so many things from her, and she never made me feel insignificant. I wish that the years of my rebellion had not separated us, because I know she would have been proud of the woman I am today. I am so blessed to have know the woman...the lade that Hana Irwin was. She lives in through all the lives of the people she touched, especially mine.

Ava Martinek Kerr

June 5, 2017

Sending love to all of my cousins and their children as the celebrate my Aunt Hana's life and mourn her loss.