In Memory of Irma Jane Cizek

Obituary

Irma Jane Cizek, 95, of Ilion, NY, formerly of Richfield Springs, passed away on December 30, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born on September 4, 1929, in Binghamton, NY, to Dominick Strausky Shaw and Florence (Gilbert) Shaw and grew up in the Triple Cities. Dominick’s family arranged his solo emigration from Lithuania to America during a time of political upheaval. His birth certificate suggested ties to royalty and Irma enjoyed reminding family of their royal ancestry.

Irma married Benjamin Andrew Cizek on May 28, 1949, and together they raised 3 daughters. Her parents, step-sister, Helen Shaw Lieberman, sister Elaine Shaw and husband predeceased her.

Irma is survived by her daughters Donna (Rick) Chase in Sidney, Lorrie (Tom) Butcher) in Moravia, and Jackie Woudenberg in Ilion. Also surviving are 4 dear grandchildren, Joshua (Kelly) Chase, Donielle (Scott) Jordan, Jacob (Diane Lipski) Woudenberg, Emily (Grace) Cowell and 4 amazing great grandsons, Hayes, Brady, Colin and Elio. Irma’s favorite niece, Louise (Terry) Price and a cousin, Chuck Dennis also survive.

Irma graduated from Johnson City High School and continued her business schooling at Binghamton’s Ridley-Lowell. She retired in 1984 from what was her favorite position as secretary assistant to Sheldon and Caroline Keck, prominent art conservators in Cooperstown. She considered herself privileged to observe restoration projects on centuries-old artifacts. 

A favorite pastime was playing bridge as often as possible with friends in Richfield Springs, Cooperstown, and Clinton. She was an avid knitter and seamstress whose woolen hats and gift bags for cancer patients found homes all over central New York. She also found great happiness in galivanting with family and birthday sleepovers.

Per her wishes Irma donated her remains to medical research and as such there will be no calling hours or services. Arrangements are being made through Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services in New Hartford. Irma enjoyed sharing her home with her kitties and watching Animal Planet. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory please consider supporting an organization known for compassionate rescue and care of needy animals.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.