FRISCH Irene, of West Hartford, CT, widow of Eugene Frisch, passed peacefully on November 7, 2021. A lifelong lover of books, Irene lived many chapters. She was born on May 1, 1931 and raised in Drogobycz, Poland. From ages 11-15, she survived the Holocaust. After liberation, she served in the IDF, attended law school in Tel Aviv, and finally came to the U.S. There she married fellow survivor, Eugene, whom she met on a blind date courtesy of her sister, Pola. They raised Randy and Sharone in Teaneck, NJ, while Irene earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from Columbia University. Irene held several prestigious positions, including head librarian for Sterling Drug on Park Avenue. After retiring, Irene and Eugene relocated to Fort Lee, NJ where Irene took up bridge and painting, published stories about her life, and especially enjoyed time with her four grandchildren. Irene spent her final chapter in West Hartford, CT. She was predeceased by Eugene; parents, Sarah and Israel Bienstock; siblings, Pola and Ludwig; and courageous Frances Sobkowa, the Righteous Gentile who hid Irene during the Holocaust. Irene leaves behind her children, Benjamin (Randy) and former wife Wendy; Sharone and Paul Kornman; and grandchildren, Jacob, Isabel, Joseph and Ariel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 9 at 1pm at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ officiated by Rabbi David Small. After interment, the family will observe the first Shiva night from 6-8pm on Tuesday at 207 West 75th Street, Apartment 2, NY, NY. For information about zoom access and calling hours in Connecticut and NY, please go to https://forms.gle/E9ruamAXptgwHSZdA In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford or Voices of Hope of Connecticut.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Nov. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Frisch

Sponsored by the family.

6 Entries

Rachel Davis

November 10, 2021

My condolences to the family. She was a great person and led a remarkable life.

Adi Ettinger

November 10, 2021

Dear Sharon, Randy and beloved family (please convey this to all the family), We are with you from afar- in heart and spirit- mourning the passing of beloved one of a kind Irene. We all send our deepest condolences from Israel and a big hug to all of you while you go through the process of Shiva. We wish we could be there with you. I will always remember Irene as a powerful, passionate, generous, humor filled, wise, brave, life loving beautiful woman. I hold lovely memories and pictures of our precious time together- from my early childhood in the USA and later on spending adult culture infused time with her in Israel and also in New York. I feel fortunate to have had Irene in my life and family and will always have her voice in my head saying- You Must Live! Enjoy Life! All in her very unique inspirational way and tone. What a wise wonderful perspective she had and earned-.
Love, Adi on behalf of the Ettingers, Colters & Tsurs

Ora & Yoram Ettinger

November 10, 2021

Irene Z"L was a warrior in defiance of horrific odds, a mother, wife and a caring family person, a common sense teacher with vast experience, a curious life-long student, a proud Zionist and a deeply-rooted Jewess. May she rest in peace.

ron proulx

November 9, 2021

I've been Randy's friend for about 25 years now. I did not know the incredible history his family had, and the life his mother Irene lived. But I do know, and realized in both the obituary and the service of today that I witnessed via zoom, that her children are incredible people of moral character. Randy is a truly kind man with manners, humour, and intellect. Our parents are our first teachers of this. Clearly, Irene and Randy's father Eugene did an excellent job in parenting. I only wish that I had known Irene and could have come to her home to witness her excellent hostessing abilities. Condolences to all from myself. Ron Proulx and my wife Carla.

Nancy and George Bacall

November 9, 2021

It is always sad to lose a parent and especially one who was a Survivor. May her memory be a blessing for you.

Stacye Rothbard

November 9, 2021

Dear Frisch family I am so sorry for your tremendous loss

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