Kurpiewski-Schmidt, Irene

Polonia Bids Farewell to our Long-time Friend and Co-Worker

Irene Kurpiewski-Schmidt died on March 8, 1998 in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital following a long illness. Irene was born in Philadelphia and became a real estate broker licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Together with her husband Frank, she operated a real estate business in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.

Irene was very active with Polish American Organizations. She served as Director, Second and First Vice President of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress and President of the New Jersey Fraternals. Most recently, Irene was elected the President of both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Fraternal Congress. Irene also served as the Treasurer of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District, for 25 years and was a National Director of the Polish American Congress for 27 years. In 1976, Irene became the first female Grand Marshal of the Pulaski Day Parade in Philadelphia and served as the parade chairperson in 1977-78. She was also an Executive Board Member of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia, and on the Board of Directors of the Nationalities Service Center and the Philadelphia Riverview Home for the Aged. Irene was a life-long member of the Union of Polish Women in America where she served on its Executive Board as First Vice President. Irene was also the Financial Secretary of Group 64 of the Union of Polish Women in America. Irene was a co-founder of the Annual Polish American Festival at Penn's Landing which began in 1977 and was well known for many years of Service to the people of Poland during their struggle to regain independence.

Survivors are her husband Frank, her sons Francis III and Cari, four grandchildren and 2 brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 10 A.M. in St. Adalbert R.C. Church. Interment was at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

The officers and members of the Polish American Congress extend condolences to Mr. Frank Schmidt and the entire Kurpiowski and Schmidt family. May she rest in peace.

From: Polish American News, April 1998