Irene Lucy Agostinelli

Irene Lucy Agostinelli, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, died on July 22 at the age of 95 surrounded by her family.

Irene was born on October 10, 1928, in Midland.  She was the daughter of Polish immigrants Henry and Francis (Balcirak) Bartos.  Irene was the 3rd oldest of 15 children.  There were many memories of growing up on an 80-acre farm such as attending a one-room schoolhouse, playing in the ditches on the way home from school, hauling/ stacking hay, and the various chores associated with living on a farm.  Irene would talk fondly of their horses – Ted, Pat, & Bob.  She was involved in 4H in the summer and she sewed in the winter.   Farm chores instilled a strong work ethic, which she maintained throughout her long life.  After graduation from Midland High School in 1948, she worked at Dow Chemical as a key-punch operator.  She married Frank Agostinelli on February 20, 1954 in Midland.  She worked as an accountant for Agostinelli Builders, of which Frank was the owner.  Irene and Frank were charter members of Blessed Sacrament Church.  Her Catholic faith was extremely important to her.  She prayed the rosary daily throughout her life.  Irene is best remembered as a person who always saw the good in people.  She was generous and most happy when she was giving to others.  She was famous for her cooking, and it was always a treat to eat her meals.  She was legendary for her garlic toast, cream roll, cheesecake, and Christmas jello.  Irene loved gardening, and she was known for her green thumb.  She had two gardens in her back yard filled with crops.  Her back yard also was a showcase of stunning flowers. She took special pride/care of her rose trellis and bushes.  Irene was an expert bug sprayer of her fruit trees.  She was an avid bowler for 30+ years.  Irene also enjoyed golfing with her sisters.  She was a "regular" at Nugent Drugs where her sisters joined her for coffee at the dining counter.   Irene and Frank had a cottage in Harrison, and every weekend, members of her extended family would take turns visiting and creating memories at Long Lake.

To carry on her legacy, Irene leaves her children Dan (Janet) of Rochester, Mary (Phil) Adams of Midland, Ann (Mike) Gach of Midland, and Angela (Dave) Talicska of Sanford, and son-in law Barry (Marabeth) Holsinger. She is missed by her grandchildren Brock (Deirdre) Holsinger, Manon (Dave) Ardouin, Jennifer (Jason) Gillespie, Janae (Alan) Adams, Matt (Kate) Adams, Joey Adams, Sara Gach, Matt Gach, Josh Talicska (Ross Penkala) and Courtney Talicska (Brian).  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren C. Draves, Brenden Holsinger, Aaron Holsinger, Jensyn Ardouin, and Oliver and Liam Talicska-Penkala.  She is survived by her sisters Ruth Babinski, Jean Rapin, MaryAnn Sczepanski, Bernadine LeBeau, Delores (Pat) Bader, Lucy (Bill) Martin, Sister Maria Paul Bartos, and Veronica (Gary) Miller.  Her brothers Lawrence (Pat) Bartos, Ray (Joan) Bartos, and John (Sandy) Bartos survive her.  She is survived by over 100 nieces and nephews.  Irene was welcomed home to Heaven by her husband Frank, her daughter Lucy Holsinger, her parents, brothers George and Paul Bartos, sister Virginia Budek, sister-in-law Mary, brother-in-laws Hank, Ray, Louie, Marion, niece Deb, and nephews Eddie, Chris, and Greg.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday July 27, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Church. The rite of committal will be in New Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive guests at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Friday from 2 until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Vigil service will be conducted on Friday 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Irene would appreciate a donation to Bernadine Franciscan Sisters, Midland County Special Olympics, or Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.

We wish to thank Brookdale Assisted Living for providing excellent comfort and care to Irene for over 2 years.  We greatly appreciate your support!