Irene Sophie Stone

Irene Sophie Wojdylo Stone has gone to meet her maker and her parents. She left us on 2 Dec. 2020 at Mobile Infirmary as a result of injuries received in a fall. She leaves behind her husband, Steve A. Stone, daughter Chrystal Anderson, sister Genevieve McPheron and her husband Edward, two nieces, one grandniece and a herd of furry creatures too numerous to name.

Irene was born on 23 May 1950 in the U.S. Army hospital in Wurtzburg, GE, the second daughter of Joseph and Maria Wojdylo, who were Polish nationals. The Wojdylo family lived in the Displaced Persons Camp there. She emigrated with her family in 1952, entering the U.S. through New Orleans. They eventually settled in Norwich, CT, which is where she spent her school years. Irene attended St. Joseph Catholic School and was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy. She later earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Eastern Connecticut, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She and Steve married in Norwich on 4 May 1976. They were to move around a bit over the years, living in Norwich, CT; Longview, TX; Gulfport, MS; Athens, GA; Preston, CT; Manassas, VA, and then to their final home in Grand Bay, AL.

Irene worked continuously through the years, first as a licenced beautician, and later in various aspects of computer support, including programming, network administration, technical support, network installation, and network security. She never seemed to tire of new challenges. Organizations she worked for included EG&G; the U.S. Navy; EDS, Inc.; and Raytheon Corp.

Irene was proud of not being like anyone else. To call her “sprited” or “complex” wouldn’t come close. She was charming and engaging to some and could be a holy terror to others, despite her diminutive size. She was extremely gifted in handcrafts. She sewed, knitted, crocheted, made ceramics of all kinds, was a great photographer, made jewelry from everything from metal wires to stained glass to semi-precious gems and pearls. She was also a gifted cook, though she would tell anyone she hated being in the kitchen. She was a proud “power” shopper and knew a good deal when she saw it. She loved going new places on cruise ships and was happiest when she was on a beach. What she loved most in life were her precious cats, of which she had many over the years, and many at a time. Her cats are confused now and missing her very much.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, 12 December 2020, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Lima, OH. Father David Ross celebrated the funeral mass, including a wonderful solo of Ave Maria. Irene now rests a few feet from her mother in Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima.