Irene M. Kotula

Irene Kotula, eldest daughter of those born to John and Mary Myslek, died October 7, 2020.  She has joined her parents, her first husband, Adolf Kotula, her second husband, Stanley Kotula, and her sister, Wanda Myslek.

Irene was educated in Holyoke grade schools and at the Mater Dolorosa Polish language school.  She graduated from Holyoke High School in 1942.  In early 1942 she began her banking career as a messenger - The first woman employee at the Holyoke National Bank. She transferred to the Hadley Falls Trust and continued her banking career as a teller, and then manager.  She retired as a Vice President from Shawmut Bank in July 1987, to enjoy a leisurely retirement.  It didn’t last long, she joined Seymour Frankel at the Beverly Shop.  Irene believed in giving good service, and made countless close friends. She will be deeply missed by many.

Irene held membership in the Kosensko Club, the Polish Junior League, Polish Discovery Society, and was a cooperative of the Polish National Home in South Hadley. She also belonged to St. Mary’s Guild, Quota Club of Springfield, and the Longmeadow Senior Center. Irene was a member of Mater Dolorosa Church in Holyoke, and St. Mary’s Church in Longmeadow.

Irene leaves her sister, Genevieve McCabe of Holyoke, and nephews Bruce McCabe and his wife, Ruth; and Kevin McCabe and his wife, Beth; and niece Linda Ahladas, as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as a great-grandnephew, Ian McCabe and great-grandniece, June McCabe.

All are invited to calling hours on Wednesday October 14, 2020 from 9:00am-10:00am at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Church, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.  Burial will follow at the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, Pittroff Avenue, South Hadley, MA. 

Memorial contributions in Irene’s memory can be made to Glenmeadow Employee Education Fund, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow MA 01106 or Mater Dolorosa School, 25 Maple Street, Holyoke MA 01040.

Irene’s family greatly appreciates all the assistance, support, and prayers of the many people who have helped during this difficult time.