Irene Ellen Oleski

Irene Ellen Oleski, age 95, passed away on December 9, 2021 in Oceanside, California. Born to Hungarian immigrants, John and Elizabeth Puncsak on May 23, 1926, in Warren, Ohio, she followed the advice of her beloved boss at Trumbull County Children’s Services, Mrs. Craig, to “go west and explore.” Irene moved to San Francisco in her early 20’s and supported herself as a secretary near Podesta Baldocchi (her favorite floral shop). As a nature lover, she eventually took a job at Kings Canyon National Park. In 1953, she fell in love with another park employee, Raymond Edward Oleski. They married on May 1, 1954, in Denver. The following day, the newlyweds moved to Montana where Ray began a new job with the telephone company. In 1955 they returned to Denver where they raised their children, Jane (Smith), Nancy and Walter. When her youngest was a toddler, Irene attended CU and then managed student travel programs for JeffCo Public Schools. She and Ray retired to Sun City West, Arizona. She volunteered with the Art Museum and also served as chair of the architectural committee on behalf of the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Surprise. A highlight in her life was cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the church. Ten years ago, Irene and Ray moved to California to be closer to children and to reside in senior living facilities. She is survived by her children, 4 grandchildren, Katelyn (Smith) Elser, Elizabeth Smith, Ryan Oleski and Colton Oleski, and 1 great granddaughter, Ellie Elser. Ray died in 2014, and Irene will be buried next to him at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on April 29, 2022.