Irena N. Rakoczy

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ Irena N. Rakoczy, 51, died peacefully, Wednesday February 28, 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She was born on April 5, 1972 in New Brunswick, NJ and raised in East Brunswick, NJ. She was the daughter of Dr. Bohdan and Romana (Anderst) Rakoczy. Her kindness and compassion filled her family with joy and inspiration.
Irena graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1990 with a GPA of 4.0 and was a member of the National Honor Society. In 1995, she received her BA in History, with Highest Honors, from Rutgers University. In addition, Irena received her New Jersey Teaching Certificate with Advanced Standing (K-8) in 1996. Also, she was a Garden State Scholar (1990 - 1994). Irena received her Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies, with Highest Honors, from Middlesex County College in 2000. Irena worked at the Law Office of George W. Pressler in East Brunswick, NJ. She was a member of Rutgers University Alumni Association.
Significantly, Irena was brilliant and talented and received many awards and honors. At East Brunswick High School, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and received the Outstanding Senior in Business Education Award (1989 - 1990) and Certificate of Honor for Outstanding Academic Achievement (1990). Also, Irena was a member (violinist) of the East Brunswick High School Orchestra (1986 - 1987). During her studies at Rutgers University, she was on the Dean's List (1990 - 1994) and received Certificates and Plaques of Outstanding Achievement and Accomplishments during her years at Rutgers University - Livingston College (1994 & 1995). Furthermore, Irena received the award for Outstanding Student in Senior Seminar for Legal Assistants, Middlesex County College, (2000) and was on the Dean's List at Middlesex County College (1996 - 1997). In addition, she won many prizes for her artwork and was a member of the chorus and an ensemble in school.
Moreover, Irena actively participated in the Ukrainian community. In 1987, she graduated from the Saturday School of Ukrainian Studies at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Brunswick, NJ. Also, Irena was a member of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization - USA (1980 - 1991) and secretary (New Brunswick, NJ Branch: 1986 - 1987). In addition, she was a member of the Ukrainian National Association, Inc.
Irena was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Perth Amboy, NJ.
Irena is survived by her loving mother, Romana Rakoczy, who holds a MS degree in Pharmacy, and devoted and accomplished sister, Olha M. Rakoczy, who has a BA degree in History and New Jersey Standard Elementary School Teacher Certificate. She is also survived by her extended family in the United States, Ukraine, and Poland. She is predeceased by her father, Dr. Bohdan Rakoczy, who was a DuPont senior research chemist.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. in St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 198 Ontario St., Cohoes. Interment will follow in St. Peter & St. Paul Cemetery, Waterford.