Irene A. Guzewicz died February 6 at Southampton Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was 88.
Born Anna Irene Maron, daughter of George Maron and Josephine Veckis, on January 16, 1926, she was raised in Greenport, graduated from Greenport High School and continued her education at the Southampton School of Nursing. It was while living at the nurse’s residence just after World War II that she met the love of her life, Stanley (Guzzy) Guzewicz. They married on October 24, 1948, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church.
Ms. Guzewicz began her professional life as a registered nurse at Southampton Hospital and was a head nurse on the women’s ward. She was respected by her nursing staff as being very “spiffy” and extremely thorough in all matters. This attention to detail earned her the admiration of her co-workers. Later assignments included working at the Southampton Nursing Home, administering shots in the office of Dr. Russell Cancelleri and as a substitute nurse in Southampton Schools.
Her love of nature and appreciation of artistic beauty in all things brought a creative eye to her talents as a seamstress and gardener. She especially loved orchids and could coax a bloom from any long-neglected plant. Always stylish and beautiful, she will be remembered by some as the local Avon lady or as the person whose pleasant voice greeted and calmed the anxious homeowner who relied on her husband’s caretaking business.
Survivors said she was sweetly serene yet quick witted, possessing a delightfully dry sense of humor, a gentle spirit and a kind, compassionate and loving heart. She kept a slow pace, observing, examining and appreciating all she encountered. An optimist, she always saw the bright side and the good in everyone. She was a wonderful conversationalist and translated that into warm letters and notes, remembering the details of everyone’s life, survivors said.
She is survived by two children, Pat Sanders, and Bob Guzewicz and wife Ann Meras Guzewicz; a granddaughter, Zoe Meras; and a brother, John Sungela and wife Gertrude. She was also survived by her caregiver, Jaaz Faustinorio. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Stanley, in 2006.
Visitation was held on February 9 at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was held at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton on February 10.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Family Health Services, 103-6 Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946 or the Southampton Ambulance, www.southamptonvac.com.
on Feb 10, 2014