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Irene Kritzer Obituary

NORTH FRANKLIN - Irene 'Gigi' Palmer Kritzer, 78, passed away peacefully in Hartford, CT, on January 23, 2026. The oldest daughter of Thomas and Virginia 'Ginny' Palmer, Irene was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, on August 17, 1947.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband John Kritzer; sister Maybelle Palmer; and brothers Earl Palmer, Tom Palmer, and Paul Palmer, among other loved ones. She is survived by her daughter Becky Kritzer; son Jake Kritzer, daughter-in-law Brooke Baldwin, and granddaughters Rosa and Maleeka Kritzer; sister Mary Shorette and family; brother Billy Palmer and family; and many more beloved siblings-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends.

A graduate of Westerly High School and the University of Rhode Island, Irene spent the majority of her professional career as a computer programmer for Aetna Life and Casualty. Her sharp, mathematical mind balanced a sometimes silly, surprisingly witty, and always loving and caring demeanor. She enjoyed sports, concerts, and theater, having been a passionate fan of the Hartford Whalers and UConn basketball, and an even bigger fan of her daughter's equestrian events and granddaughters' soccer games, running races, and musical performances. She loved animals as much as the people in her life, with many horses, dogs, and cats bringing her joy over the years.

Gigi touched the lives of her friends, family, and fans through her laughter and warmth. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten. A celebration of life is being planned for the springtime. In lieu of flower, please consider donations to Kenway's Cause (kenwayscause.com) and Ebony Horsewomen (ebonyhorsewomen.org), organizations that share Irene's love of animals and their connection with people.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Westerly Sun on Feb. 3, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Kritzer

Sponsored by Cremation Society of Connecticut - Windsor.

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Janet York

February 6, 2026

It is with great sadness that,hearing the passing of Irene. She was a truly nice person. I remember all the Palmer" Christmas parties that I was always included in. She and Mary always so welcoming! May Irene rest in peace.

Dan Dinoto

February 3, 2026

Bill: My sympathy and condolences to you and to your family.

Danny

Steve Turano

February 3, 2026

Mary, Bill and family
Sorry for your loss.

Lucy Sawrej

February 3, 2026

Irene - An old, old friend going back to Aetna days and UCONN games both near and far. I will always have wonderful memories of our Final 4 and Big East travels. Irene was a genuinely good person who will be missed by many
Lucy

Karen Hallsey

February 3, 2026

Irene was a longtime friend from Aetna. Attended many a Uconn women´s basketball game with her. Also zipped to the casino on occasion. Such a nice lady. Hard to say goodbye

Suzanne S

February 1, 2026

Sending love to everyone who is missing Irene today. Just made a donation to Ebony Horsewomen in her memory. May her memory be a blessing

Darlene Staplins

January 31, 2026

Jim and I will miss Irene deeply. She was a truly wonderful person, and we were so fortunate to share so many years with her. I hope she is now reunited with the loved ones-and beloved four-legged companions-who have gone before her. We are sending all our love to Irene's family.

Jake Kritzer

January 30, 2026

Thanks to everyone who leaves a note here about my mom. She was an amazing woman. I owe her so much and miss her terribly. I know that many family and friends feel the same. As much as it hurts for her to be gone, I remind myself that the world is a better place because she was here. I love you, mom. Thank you for everything.
-Jake

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cremation Society of Connecticut - Windsor

807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor, CT 06095

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