Irene G. Was 1920-2024

She was born in Youngstown, on Dec. 2, 1920, to immigrant parents from Poland, Benjamin and Louise Press Garstka. She and her husband, Thaddeus Was, reared four daughters, Phyllis, Janice, Marianne and Christine.

Irene served as a church organist and choir director for St. Joseph Church and St. Pius X Church in Warren. Her musical talents brought her to the stage of Trumbull New Theatre in Warren, often in the leading female role. Irene taught elementary school at St. Pius X School and in the Warren City Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Kent State University in 1968. She retired from teaching in 1986. A painting class at the Trumbull Art Guild began a journey in artistic self-expression that continued for the rest of her life.

At the age of 80, Irene received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Kent State University in 2001. Her artwork has been exhibited in more than 15 galleries in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, including The Butler Institute of American Art’s Trumbull County Branch and Trumbull Art Gallery.

In 2007, at the age of 86, Irene was selected as one of 36 area artists to adorn a Goddess of Speed sculpture for the Trumbull County Fine Arts Council.

Irene was actively involved in many organizations including the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and the Polish Arts Club in Youngstown. In 2014, Irene was selected as a nominee for the Trumbull County Valley Legacy Awards for Seniors. She was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community.

She traveled abroad to her ancestral country of Poland six times and throughout Europe.

As a centenarian, Irene continued to inspire people of all ages with her wit and wisdom. A favorite insight of hers is “When you care, you’re there.”

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Thaddeus Was; daughters, Phyllis Hare (Gordon) of Howland, Janice Douglass of Warren and Marianne Lohrman (Gene) of Chardon; and grandchildren, James Lohrman and Alice O’Connor.

She is survived by her daughter, Christine Zust (Mark) of Westlake; son-in-law, Gene Lohrman of Castle Rock, Colorado; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, a prayer service will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by calling hours from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Lane Funeral Homes, Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive, Warren. On Monday, May 20, 2024, visitation resumes at the funeral home at 9 a.m., followed by a prayer service at 10:15 a.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road, Warren.

Burial will follow in All Souls Cemetery, Bazetta Township.

The family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association. Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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