Irene Dobszinsky
July 11, 1923 - December 18, 2012
Obituary
Irene Dobszinsky was born in Seattle on July 11, 1923 to Luther and Margaret Johns. As an only child who had moved around frequently during the first part of her life, Irene understood the importance of family. She also understood that family could extend beyond the boundaries of blood relations. Irene met her closest lifelong friend and eventual sister-in-law, Jean Dobszinsky, when she began attending Highline High School. Their friendship was a testament to two of Irene’s strongest values: loyalty and familial love.
It was through this close friendship that Irene eventually met and fell in love with Jean’s brother, Jack Dobszinsky. Irene and Jack became engaged shortly after Jack returned from the war. They spent fifty wonderful years together and brought three beautiful daughters into the world: Teri, Judy, and Patti. Irene finally had the family she’d always wanted, and though she experienced several heartbreaking tragedies, she was truly loved and truly happy.
Irene was an incredibly strong woman with a passion for life. Along with family, she loved animals, tennis, driving, and a really good party. Although growing up during the Great Depression gave her a sense of frugality, she was always the first to offer unconditional support in times of need. She will be remembered for her warm heart, fierce independence, exceptional courage, and delightfully dry sense of humor.
Irene passed away at the age of 89 on December 18, 2012. She was preceded in death by her daughter Judy Merrill in 1974 and by her husband Jack in 1996. She is survived by daughters Teri (Jim) Lindley and Patti (Bob) Ank; grandchildren Jay (Anne) Merrill, Kristopher (Channa) Lindley, Kenneth Ank, Lindsey (Brian) Fairleigh, Lissa (Matt) McCann, Gina (David) Rose, Beth (Peter) Goodman, and Janine (Ryan) Carter; and 9 great-grandchildren.