Irene Debelina Obituary

DeBelina, Irene J. (nee Wasuik) Of Loveland, CO and formerly of Albuquerque, NM and Hickory Hills, IL, affectionately known as 'Babcia' to family, passed away January 8, 2017. She suffered and died from Alzheimer's disease while a resident of Aspen House in Loveland, CO. She was born March 4, 1929 on a farm near Baranovichy, Poland (currently Belarus). In 1939, when Irene was 10 years old she, along with her mother, grandmother, brother and sister (aged 7 and 4), were evacuated by Russian soldiers. Her father was a member of the Polish underground and was hiding in the forest at this time. Taken by sleighs to the train station they traveled in unheated box cars for three weeks to Zalomnaya refugee camp near Asino, Siberia. A few months after arrival, Irene and her two younger siblings were allowed to live in an orphanage, set up by Catholic nuns, next to the camp. In early 1942 as Irene lay in bed stricken with fever she saw an American soldier appear in the doorway. Soon Irene and her siblings began their journey of several months to Bombay, India where they boarded the U.S. Hermitage. They arrived in Los Angeles, CA in October, 1943 where, due to political reasons they were sent to an orphanage in Santa Rosa, Mexico where they stayed for 3-4 years. When she was 18 years old she received sponsorship by a family in Chicago, where she worked as a secretary for the Polish Consulate. In June 1951 she married the love of her life, Roman DeBelina, also a Polish immigrant. They enjoyed 38 wonderful years together and were the proud parents of three children. Irene worked for 30 years at White Castle and gained lifelong friendships with co-workers and customers. Her faith in God and love for her family were her priorities in life. She had a life well lived and will be forever missed. Irene was the beloved wife of the late Roman; loving mother of Anne (Gary) Frale of Rio Rancho, Elka (Greg) Starks of Colorado and the late Andrew DeBelina; dearest grandmother of five; great-grandmother of three; dearest sister of Zbigniew (Regina) Wasiuk and Lillian (late Henry) Igraszek; fond sister-in-law of the late George (late Irene) DeBelina and late Theresa McKenney; aunt of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday, January 16, 2017, 2:00-8:00 p.m. at ZARZYCKI MANOR CHAPELS, LTD., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home to the Church of St. Patricia. Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Member of Klub Polakow "Santa Rosa". (708)839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.