Irene Ann Rich passed away on Tuesday, January 28, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, surrounded by her family.

Born in 1941 to Emerick and Katherine Andrascik, immigrants from Slovakia, Irene grew up in Stratford. With her husband, Michael Rich, she raised three children in Newtown, where she was an active member of Rock Ridge Country Club, St Rose of Lima Church, and the Homemakers Club before retiring to Florida in the 1990s. All who knew Irene treasured her zest for living, playful sense of humor, and generous heart. She enjoyed polka dancing, playing golf, cards, and Mah Jongg with her many friends in both Connecticut and Florida.

Irene is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Michael Rich; daughter, Janice Rocha of Danbury; sons, James Rich (Jussimara) of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, and Michael Rich of San Francisco; sisters, Suzanne Kearney of Danbury and Mary Haisley of Port Saint Lucie; five grandchildren; and two nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 7, at 10:30 am in St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown. Burial will follow in Saint John Cemetery, Stratford.

The family will receive friends at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, on Thursday, February 6, from 4 to 7 pm.