Irene S. Hojnicki
November 18, 1932 - May 13, 2023
Irene S. Hojnicki, age 90, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Born in Wilmington, DE on November 18, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Mikolaj and Stella (Ornowska) Maciejewski. Irene was a graduate of St. Paul’s Commercial High School in Wilmington. She married Joseph Hojnicki on May 26, 1951 and spent her life taking care of her family as a talented homemaker.
Irene was passionate about her faith and was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church in New Castle for 72 years. A friend to the community, she joined the Minquadale Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary in 1951 and became a lifetime member. During her time with the Auxiliary, Irene held several positions including president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer for 25 years. She also enjoyed serving as the Chaplin for the Ladies Auxiliary of New Castle County Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association. In addition, Irene was a member of the V.F.W. Polish American Post #3257 – Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. Hojnicki, Sr.; son, Joseph W. Hojnicki, Jr.; brothers, Edward Mack, Charles Maciejewski, and Joseph Mack, Sr.; brother-in-law, Edward Hojnicki, Sr.; and sisters-in-law, Eleanor Mack, Dorothy Maciejewski, Helen Mack, and Eleanor Skibicki. She is survived by her children, Patricia Addison (Carl), Diane Thompson (Chris, Sr.), and Michael Hojnicki (Barbi); sister-in-law, Stephanie Hojnicki; brother-in-law, William Skibicki; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a future great-great-grandson due in September; and many nieces and nephews.
The family of Irene would like to extend a very special thank you to Cookie, her devoted care giver, as well as to AccentCare Hospice.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11:45 am on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 pm. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Ladies Auxiliary of Minquadale Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 647, Manor Branch, New Castle, DE 19720.
Cookie Ayala
My dearest Pani, you were a true joy , we laughed and talked a lot we kept each other company, I miss you so much and I know God has you in paradise with you’re loved ones, rest easy and I will always cherish your memory!!💕🙏
Joe & Mary Andrisani
A light has gone out in our World, but the World is such a better place because of Cioci Irene. She was always full of energy and doing everything for her family, her community, and anyone who needed her help. She is taking her well-deserved rest now with her beloved Joe, but will live in our hearts forever.
Reagan Thompson
Irene. You were such a wonderful and nice woman. From the first time I met you. Always has a smile and asked about my boys. You will be missed. May you rip Condolences to your family.
Jane Williams
Cookie Ayala you took such great care of her just like she was your Mother we so appreciate you. We hope to see you at her services. Thank you dear Janie Williams PP Minquadale Ladies Auxiliary and a loving friend of Irene’s. God bless her children to get through this next week. We love and miss you already Irene. Love you forever Jane and Ray!
Connie
Rest in peace dearest Irene. You stayed faithfully at your post as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and trusted friend. You served your community with dignity and quiet courage. May you dwell in the house of our Father and rejoice with all your loved ones and friends who arrived before you. I will miss you, never forget you, until we meet again. I love you, Connie
Jean Dunn
A wonderful lady who will be sadly missed. Prayers and sympathy to the family.
Patty Houck
Very sorry to hear the passing of Irene. Condolences and prayers to the family.
Timothy frieze
I knew Irene & Her Family from being a member of minquadale Fire company Irene & Joe & Rest of Hojnicki always treated me good I lov3 Irene like she was a 2nd mom to me & Her entire family always were Kind to me my thoughts & prayers go out to the Hojnicki family during their Loss at this time my Heart is broken hearing Irene Passed Away its nor Goodbye Irene its till WE MEET AGAIN….R.I.P IRENE & JOE & SON JOE Jr. U will be DEARLY MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW U & UR WONDERFUL FAMILY
Timothy frieze
My heart is broken 💔 hearing about the passing of Irene she was a WONDERFUL & PRETTY LADY SHE ALWAYS TREATED ME GREAT EVERYTIME I SEEN IF IT WAS AT THE FIRE HOUSE OR THE DVFA Conferences. She was a wonderful friend & she & Joe & family will Always hold A special place in my heart ❤️ forever. Irene never said a bad word about anyone. It’s not goodbye Irene its till WE Meet again at the Big DVFA Conference in the Sky…..R.I.P SWEET FRIEND
Claire Noble
Such a wonderful auxiliary lady. Always so caring and pleasant. Irene you will be missed. May you rest in peace. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
Randy Roberts
Sending condolences to the Hojnicki and Minquadale Fire Company families. Irene was one of the nicest and kindest people. Sending prayers of comfort during this time of great sorrow.
Janet Houck
Condolences to her family and friends from me and Tex. She will sorely be missed in our lives. She was a treasure. My mother, her dear friend, will be happy to see her again.
Dan DiMichele
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Irene. She was a lovely lady and full of energy. I am sure she will be missed. Irene and i had the pleasure of working on the food end of the famous Chicken and Dumpling dinners with Sysco Foods all those years at Minquadale.
Sandi Moore
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with your family.
Travis & Sandi (Thompson)Moore
Linda Emerson
So Very sorry to hear about Irene Sending Love from Linda the caterering service from the Fire House
Bill Baird
Deepest condolences to the Hojnicki family. Such a beautiful, kind and loving person. Just speaking to her would brighten your day. Irene gave so much time and energy to assisting others and serving the community. Irene helped so very much with my wedding reception and many high school reunions over the years. Everything she managed was perfect. Many
loved her and will miss her dearly. God bless.
Valerie McCartan
Dear Mike and family, we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thinking of you and sending condolences to everyone including extended family and friends during this sad time. Wishing you peace and comfort. Valerie & Jack (SMHS ‘82) McCartan
Cathy Souder
Memory Eternal Cioci Irene! Such a dear and sweet lady. Babu Hojnicki and Cioci always made butter lambs for me for Easter. They were perfect! Prayers for Diane and all of the family.
Mike and Pam DiBartolomeo
Dear Diane, Chris and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. We have had such fun in her company over the years. The last time we saw her was when she was hot- footin’ into Pat’s Pizza with “Chuchie” riding shotgun.
Irene was a lovely person who made the best potato salad in the world. We love you all, Pam and Mike
Debbie & Harold
So sorry for your loss. She held a special place in our hearts. She will be missed greatly. Heaven is having a party and they are doing the polka. God has his next angel.
Beverly Barlow
So sorry for your loss. Irene was the sweetest person. Always made me and my family feel welcome. Love and prayers for all of you.
Diane Koehler
Dear Diane and Family,
I am so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. I am sure all of your memories will warm your heart every time you think of her. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Diane K
Robert Abel Jr MD
Dear family members,
I was saddened to learn of Irene’s passing. She was such a gentle and courageous person and lit up the room with her visits.
She paid full attention to whoever was privileged to be in her orbit. With a little humor she would become less serious and join in with the fun. I only hope that the many wonderful memories will be of comfort to you at this time. Please know that countless others are sharing in your loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Rob Abel
Amy whetham
Diane and family,
So very sorry to hear about your mom.
What a beautiful legacy she leaves!
Sending prayers/ hugs to my friend