Irene M. Kopitzke

KOPITZKE, Irene M. (nee Yaroch). August 25, 2025. Age 95.
Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Kopitzke for 56 years until his passing in 2023 and the late Ralph Day, for 13 years until his passing in 1964. Loving mother of Mary (Robert) Davis, Michael (Mary) Day, Mark (Jennifer) Day, Anne (the late Richard) Lindsay, Matthew (Deborah) Day, Therese (Michael) Mauder, John (Tina) Day, Jane (Scott) Pionk, Lawrence (Lesley) Kopitzke, Irene (Philip) VanAssche and the late Ralph Day. Cherished grandmother of 30 and adored great-grandmother of 38. Dear sister of Betty Ann (the late Gerald) MacLeod, the late Beatrice (Tony) Powell and the late Joan (Walter) Nowak. Loving daughter of the late Roman and the late Helen Yaroch.
Irene was born in Detroit on September 28, 1929 to Roman and Helen Yaroch, who were both proud of their Polish heritage. Irene was able to honor that heritage, speaking Polish herself. Irene left school early to help her family on their farm. As a lifelong farmer, Irene's love for working with her hands continued through gardening and canning. Although she didn't graduate in her younger years, Irene pursued higher education and attended many colleges and she earned her high school diploma after age 60. Irene was a nurses aid for most of her life. Irene was a parishioner of St. Hyacinth for 80 years. She was blessed with a beautiful voice, and even made a 45 vinyl of Ave Maria. Irene loved cheering on Detroit sports teams, was a dog lover, and loved holidays - Christmas especially.
Family was everything for Irene. She loved every chance she got to cook for her family at gatherings. She raised a large and loving family and got the joy of helping raise her grandchildren. As a caregiver, Irene was able to use her nursing skills with her children and grandchildren. Irene will always be remembered as a wonderful mother and grandmother, and for her listening and kind heart.
Visitation Friday from 3-8pm with 7pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate Saturday 9:30am until the time of the 10am Mass at St Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Fr. Solanus Casey Center, or St. Hyacinth Parish. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com