Irene Hladkyj, 97, formerly of Woodbridge, Conn., died peacefully on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cheshire. She was the widow of Alexander Hladkyj and the daughter of the late Hryhorij and Emilia (Skorna) Dubno.

Irene was born on June 28, 1928, in the Pidhorodne, Zolochiw Raion, and Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. The family left Ukraine in 1944 and first made their way to Dresden, Germany. While there, Irene along with her father and mother were forced to worked in the local factory. At the end of the war, they picked up and left for Bavaria, which was occupied by the Americans.

Upon hearing about a displaced person camp in Regensburg, Germany, they made their way there and finally met up with other Ukrainians. They stayed there for four years, at which time she met and married Alexander. In 1950 under the Sponsors Program, they left for New York and settled in New Haven Conn., settling in Woodbridge. During that time, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Irene worked for many different companies including Sikorsky, Burndy and U.S. Surgical. She was a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven and was an active member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. She was recently recognized for her many years of service.

She managed the church’s Heritage Center and was a participant in the Pyrohy Project.

Irene was involved in the Children of Chernobyl Relief Fund, working to support the children in Ukraine after the nuclear disaster.

She was known for her baking of tortes and was a great supporter and promoter of Ukrainian heritage and culture, which can be seen in her beautiful embroidery.

She is survived by her son, Yaropolk Hladkyj of Arizona, and her daughter, Roxsolana Gordon and son-in-law Larry of Cheshire. She leaves behind three grandchildren: Mark Gordon (Marissa) of Fort Mill, S.C., Stephanie Jasenak (Andrew) from Vienna, Va., Alexander (Caitlyn) of Portland, Ore., and three great-grand children: Everett Gordon, Foster Gordon and Rebecca Jasenak. She also leaves behind a sister, Luba Dubno of New Haven, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Olga Pospolita, and a brother, Orest Dubno.

A panachyda service will begin at 9:15 am at Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm St. (corner of Dwight Street) in New Haven on Jan.8.

All are invited to attend a funeral service at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, 569 George St., New Haven, on Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. Interment in New Jersey will be private.

Memorial donations may be made in Irene’s memory to: Ukrainian Museum, 222 E. 6th St., New York, NY 10003, and the Plebeian Helpers Inc., 59 Argyle Ave., Babylon, NY 11702 or on their website, plebeianhelpers.com.