Irene (Kudla) Gurecki, 78, of Meriden, beloved wife of Walter A. Gurecki for 57 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Irene was born in Wola Otaleska, Poland on June 1, 1945. She was the daughter of the late Anthony and Julia (Czerwiec) Kudla. Irene made the journey to this country on her own when she was just 16 years old. She quickly learned English by taking night classes at Meriden High, and later met Walter through family and friends. Irene and Walter married May 14, 1966 and soon started their family. Irene was a devoted wife and mother of four children. Family always came first in her life, and she carried on many Polish family traditions, particularly for the Christmas holiday. Irene had wonderful memories of vacations to Virginia Beach, VA and trips to Poland. She loved flowers and enjoyed her vegetable garden, otherwise known as "The Farm." She was a wonderful cook, loved crafting, and was an avid reader.

In addition to her husband Walter, Irene is survived by her daughter Ann Marie Montefiore and husband David of Meriden; her daughter Joan Bostrom and husband Scott of Middletown; her son David Gurecki of Meriden; and her daughter Susan Otfinoski and fiancé Jeffrey Boccuzzio of Meriden; her beloved grandchildren including Christopher Montefiore and wife Victoria (Hausmann), Jenna Montefiore, Stephen Gurecki, Alex Bostrom, Camryn Gurecki, David Gurecki Jr. and honorary granddaughter Sophia Maxham; as well as several nieces and nephews in the United States and Europe. She is predeceased by her siblings Walter Kudla and Maria (Kudla) Koral.

Irene's family will receive relatives and friends at the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Monday, October 16, 2023, from 4 pm. until 7 p.m.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 17, from the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home at 10 a.m., when the funeral procession will proceed to St. Stanislaus Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.  Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.