Irene M. Gantick

Irene M. Gantick, 90, of Willington, CT passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022 in the comfort of her home. She was born in Franklin, CT, daughter of the late Vincent and Pauline (Rozanski) Majchier. Irene is survived by her sweetheart and loving husband of 67 years, Raymond J. Gantick; three children, Michael Gantick and his wife Lisa, Matthew Gantick and his wife Cindy, and Cathleen Mittelsteadt and her husband Brad; seven grandchildren; Angela Dykon, Brian Gantick, Kelly Dubuc, Peter Drivas III, Alex Drivas, Jasper Gantick and Aleck Gantick; seven great grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Caden, Jersey, Kannon, Kynlee and Luke will be here in September; several nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Vincent Majchier; and her sister, Florence Beausoleil. Irene was a 1949 graduate of Norwich Free Academy where she was crowned campus queen. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Connecticut University (formerly Willimantic Teachers College). She spent much of her teaching career in the Vernon School System at Vernon Elementary and Central Road School. She loved all her students as if they were her own. Irene was a member of the Stafford VFW Aux Post 1990. She was previously a member of the Willington VFW Post 938 and served as president for many years. Irene started dating her husband Ray when they were 15 years old. They shared a passion for the outdoors. Fishing was one of their greatest pleasures. They fished throughout Alaska, the lower 48 states and Canada. Irene loved gardening, hiking, and spending time on their boat on the ocean. She also traveled throughout 9 European countries. One of Irene's greatest joys was cooking and hosting her family for the holidays. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. The family respectfully asks that those in attendance please wear a mask. Burial will follow the services at Willington Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Willington Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 194, Willington, CT 06279. To leave a message of sympathy for the family, or for directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com.