Irene Polivka
March 16, 1925 - April 18, 2015
Obituary
Irene POLIVKA
90, of Kirkland, WA, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 peacefully at her home. Born March 16, 1925 in Easton, PA to Carmen and Ethel D’Angelo Scarpino. She was the youngest of three; Frank and Theresa, both deceased. She grew up in Easton and graduated from Easton High School in 1943 and Easton Hospital School of Nursing in 1947. Her love of nursing took her to the Poly Clinic for post graduate work. She married John G. Polivka October 4, 1952 and moved to Clifton, NJ. The family moved to Phillipsburg, NJ, where she worked the Easton Hospital Emergency Room for 12 yrs. In 1962 the family moved to Bakersfield, CA, and she continued her career at Mercy Hospital. After a short stay in Albuquerque, NM, the family moved to Bothell, WA, where she was the Director of Nursing at Northshore Manor. She and John moved to Anchorage, AK in 1971 and experienced the building of the Pipeline. She retired from nursing in 1988, after working with Dr. Wilkins for 14yrs. at the Anchorage Med/Surg Clinic. They returned to their Bothell residence in 2006 to enjoy the growth and joy of their family. Irene was a member of the Real Alaskans and the Pioneers. She volunteered at the Anchorage Concert Association and the Anchorage Museum. She was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Kirkland, WA. Survivors: John, her husband of 63 yrs; two children, Diane and her husband Jon Magruder of Bothell, WA, and John Jr and wife Cindy of Mukilteo, WA; grandchildren, Justin, Erik, Peter and David; great-grand daughters, Ava and Madisyn. She greatly appreciated Gail Kasen as a spiritual advisor and close friend. Her relatives in Pennsylvania and friends in Alaska were very dear to her heart. Funeral Services, Monday, April 27th at 11:00AM at St John Vianney Church – 12600 84th Ave Ne, Kirkland, WA. The rosary will precede the service at 10:30AM. Burial, Tuesday, April 28th, 10:15AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. In lieu of flowers remembrances suggested to Evergreen Hospice or Sight Connection. Please visit Irene’s guestbook online at bonneywatson.com. Arrangements entrusted to Wiggen & Sons Funeral Home.
Mom, we miss you. Our hearts are not heavy, but instead light and happy, knowing you are with Angels. You are the last to join your family. Watch over and guide us in the years to come. Your family loves you.
To our Dear Aunt Irene……We will always remember how kind and generous you were to family. Your optimistic outlook on everything was quite inspirational to all of us. No matter any issue you had, it was never seen by the family . Family came first and now you shall be with our Mother, Theresa and be proud of you legacy you left behind.
The Boscia family would like to say “GOD BLESS OUR AUNT IRENE”
Your Alaskan friends are remembering you, Irene. Thanks for sharing your life with us. It was an honor.