Virginia Beach—Irene Katz Janow, 97, died peacefully in her home on January 13, 2022.
She was born in Rokiskis, Lithuania on August 21, 1924, and with her entire family immigrated to the United States in 1939 where her family became a part of the community in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Irene met her future husband of 63 years, Carl, at dance in Newport News and they were married shortly afterwards at B’nai Israel in Norfolk. Carl and Irene moved to the suburbs of Washington, DC where they raised their two daughters, Marcia and Leora. Irene quickly became a self-taught scholar of the political environment and would hold her own in any political conversation. Irene and Carl were very active in their synagogue and Jewish causes. Shortly after retirement, they moved to Virginia Beach to be near family and became members of Congregation Beth El where they would attend every Saturday.
There are many words to describe Irene with the best one being family. She enjoyed her family visits, babysitting opportunities, and phone calls from her grandchildren. She was fun to have on a vacation. Irene had a strong personality and would say what was on her mind in a fair and understanding way. When she gave advice, she was always considerate of how it would affect those who were doing the asking. She was a champion at baking mandel bread. Irene was always known as “favorite aunt” and her song You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Aaron Katz, her husband, Carl, brothers, Bernard Katz, Sol Katz, and Herbert Katz and brother-in-law, Harry Sterling.
Left to remember her by are her daughters, Marcia Kay (Bruce), Leora Drory (Nathan); her Grandchildren, Jennifer Kay Michael Newman), Sara MacLellan (Brandon), Esty Gruen (Noach), Danit Drory, Aaron Drory; and her 2 much adored great grandchildren, Yaakcov Moshe,and Miriam; Irene’s sister, Helen Sterling; sister-in-laws, Judy Katz, Zipora Katz; and many nieces and nephews. Irene was a wonderful wife and mother who enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
A private funeral was held by her children and family. Donations to 2Unstoppable (2Unstoppable.org). H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts.