Irene Bittova Axin was born to Stefan and Zora Bitto in Prague on August 27, 1935.  Having survived WWII, she grew up and helped support her family as a candy store manager and drafter. She helped raise her bother Stefan who was younger by thirteen years.  She married Joseph Axin, moved to the United States, and three years later in 1968, gave birth to her only daughter, Aurora.  Irene was to give birth to a younger boy, but she lost him in a miscarriage.  She never forgot him, and carried him in her heart for the rest of her life.  Five years later, Irene and Joseph divorced.  By that time, her father had died and her mother left Prague and came to the live with her. The three generations remained an inseparable trio until 1995, when Zora passed away.

With the aid of her mother, Irene raised her daughter as a single mom, never remarrying in keeping with her Catholic faith.  She worked as a store manager, and for many years as a licensed practical nurse.  She then became the manager of thirteen apartment buildings and five commercial stores on the upper east side of Manhattan. 

Irene was an avid opera fan, and a lover of the arts in general. She was sure to be on top of current events, especially politics.  She was fluent in Russian, Czech, Hungarian, and English, and loved to shop whether it was at her local CVS or at Saks Fifth Avenue!  She was a collector of shoes, purses, fine china, newspapers, scarves, and minks.  She loved God and her family, and her unwavering faith got her through her most difficult times.  Her daughter was her pride and joy.  She was proud to call Frank her son-in-law, as she had held him in her arms when he was just two weeks old, and after thirty-two years of friendship, Frank’s mom Margaret and Irene became in-laws and were officially family. Her grandchildren were the realization of her every dream.  Irene was known for her resilience and her fierce independence.  She was a fighter who never hesitated to speak her mind, but was a first-class lady to the end. 

God called Irene into His loving arms early in the morning on Holy Saturday.  She died peacefully in her sleep at Calvary Hospital after a long battle with multiple health issues.  She is survived by her daughter Aurora, son-in-law Frank, and her three grandchildren Frank (“my one and only grandson”), Irene (“Princess”), and Elizabeth (“Little Princess”). “Nagyi”, as her grandchildren called her, will live in their hearts forever.   Irene was a blessing to everyone whose life she touched.  May God grant her eternal peace and rest.

Donations to St.Margaret/St. Gabriel’s Church would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.