Irene H. Dubzinski

Irene H. (St. John) Dubzinski, 80, of Gardner, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Heywood Hospital, in Gardner.

Born in Gardner on January 18, 1943, Irene was the daughter of the late Romeo and Helen (Sylwestrzak) St. John.  A graduate of Gardner High School (Class of 1961) and the Salter Secretarial School (1962) with her associate degree, Irene was employed by Gardner Public Schools for 20 years and then became the office manager for Dr. H. Pierce Munson for 10 years until her retirement. It was at Gardner High School where Irene met her husband, Walter Dubzinski Jr., a love-story that lasted over 60 years.  

Irene’s first priority was always her family as she never missed a game coached by her husband or played or coached by her children or grandchildren. An avid fan, she cheered enthusiastically for Gardner, Wachusett, Leominster, Springfield College, Dean College, Middlebury College, and UConn.  Even after her children left GHS, she became a pseudo-mother to many of the GHS football players and loved the annual Thanksgiving Night tradition of a full house of players to celebrate another season. A stellar athlete herself at GHS, Irene was the GHS Female Athlete of the Year in 1961, City of Gardner Singles Tennis Champ in 1974 and inducted into the GHS Hall of Fame in 1995. Clearly the Dubzinski/McDonald women set the tone for the family. During the summer, Irene loved visiting York Harbor, Maine with her family and sitting on Harbor Beach. She also enjoyed trips to the casino with Walt, and never let him know how much money she had won and never admitted to losing.  

Irene was also blessed to have a great group of friends who, until recently, she had lunch with every Friday. In addition to this Lunch Bunch, she had developed strong friendships with many and always helped anyone in need. Everyone who knew Irene loved her omnipresent smile.

A parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, she served on the Gardner Housing Authority for 32 years, was a founding member of the Gardner Girls Athletic Booster Club, coached field hockey for Gardner High School and served on the committee to build a new Gardner High School in 1976. Irene loved her community.

Irene is survived by her husband of 59 years, Walter J. Dubzinski Jr. of Gardner; her three children, Michael W. Dubzinski and his wife Erin of Rutland, Kathryn H. McDonald of Holden; and Steven J. Dubzinski of Boston; four grandchildren, Connor Dubzinski, Griffin, Reagan, and Tucker McDonald;  She is also survived by her brother-in-law John Dubzinski and wife Donna, and sister-in-law Anne Jasinski and husband John and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Dr. Peter J. “PJ” McDonald, who passed away on May 9, 2023. and sister-in-law Pam Bent and husband Fred.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to Chris Caisse, Pam Canu, Gail McDermott, and Margaret “Cookie” Rakonza who assisted in the care for Irene during the last few years.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Holy Spirit Chapel, 50 Lovewell Street, Gardner, MA. Please report directly to the church on the day of the service. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

Calling Hours will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walter J. and Ruth Dubzinski Memorial Scholarship, ℅ Principal Paula Bolger, Gardner High School, 200 Catherine Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Irene H. Dubzinski.