OSWEGO, NY – Irene F. Gilman, 58, of Oswego, passed away Friday evening, Aug. 17, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family and friends.
Irene was born in New York City and was predeceased by her mother, Paula Roemer Goldman; father, Lewis P. Goldman; and her husband, P. Kevin Gilman, who died on December 17, 2009.
She is survived by her sister, Judith Chester-Tomiyasu and brother-in law, Walter Tomiyasu; and an extensive network of in-laws, cousins and friends.
Irene graduated from SUNY Oswego in 1975 and pursued a Masters Degree in Spanish at Syracuse University.
She worked at the Oswego Hospital Mental Health Unit, was director of the NYS Migrant Head Start Program, and most recently was a substitute teacher in Oswego Middle School and Oswego High School.
Irene traveled extensively with Kevin, was actively involved in Yoga, the YMCA and was part of the volleyball team, DNR, that won the Gold Medal in the Empire State Games in 2008. She was also a loyal supporter of the SUNY Oswego Rugby Club and the band House on a Spring.
The whole world was her family and Irene welcomed everyone into her home.
She embodied the idea that to live to help others was to grow.
Irene worked with each change in her life as her teacher.
Some howl at the moon, Irene became the moon.
Donations may be made to her favorite local charities, the Oswego YMCA, Oswego County Hospice, Oswego Rugby Club sent C/O Jim Clark, 4175 Seeber Road, Canastota, NY 13032 or to the charity of your choice.
Friends and family are invited to gather at Old City Hall/Water Street Cafe on Sept. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. to share memories of Irene and enjoy the music of her favorite band.
Arrangements are by Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Inc.
www.daincullinan.com
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I knew ‘of’ Irene and Kevin from college. They were a cute couple then. It was nice to see both of them around at the “Y,” and to get to talk to Irene quite a few times about those old days.
I am soooo sorry to hear of her passing. Such a wonderful lady should not have her stay on earth cut short at such an early age. I know she will be deeply missed by so many people, and even those of us who knew her more in passing and not so deeply.
To her sister, her family, to all her friends:I am so sorry for your loss.
Now she and Kevin can meet again on the other plains of existence.
Namaste, Irene (and Kevin).
Until we all meet again.
Debbie Engelke