Irene Smothers, 94, of Syracuse, passed away on Sunday morning, April 17, 2022, in St. Camillus Home and Rehabilitation Center where she had been a resident since July, 2021.

She was born on May 3, 1927, in Swinice, Warckie, Poland, the daughter of Celestyn and Rozalia Szamalek Tomczak.  As a teenager, she was placed into a labor camp in Germany during WWII.

After WWII, Irene immigrated to the United States with her first husband, Zbigniew Galek.  After his...

Irene Smothers, 94, of Syracuse, passed away on Sunday morning, April 17, 2022, in St. Camillus Home and Rehabilitation Center where she had been a resident since July, 2021.

She was born on May 3, 1927, in Swinice, Warckie, Poland, the daughter of Celestyn and Rozalia Szamalek Tomczak.  As a teenager, she was placed into a labor camp in Germany during WWII.

After WWII, Irene immigrated to the United States with her first husband, Zbigniew Galek.  After his passing, Irene married Andrew J. Smothers.  He passed away on May 21, 2000.

Irene was a former member of St. Patrick’s Church in Taberg until moving closer to her family in Syracuse.  In Syracuse, she was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Cicero.

Irene loved to cook, dance, spend time with her family and enjoyed trips to the casino.

Surviving are her four children, George (Darlene) Galek, of FL, Robert Galek, of Syracuse, Richard Galek, of TX, and Kazimierz Smothers, of Cicero; a step-daughter, Sharon Smith, of FL; a daughter-in-law, Annette Smothers, of Taberg; thirteen grandchildren, Chad (Victoria) Galek, of Lakeport, Jackie (AJ) Puchalski, of Syracuse, Greta (Frank) McDowell, of Liverpool, Jennifer Galek, of TX, Lori Smothers, Christy Brazie, Andy Smothers, Matthew Smothers, all of Taberg, Rhonda Smith, of FL, Chrystal (Greg) Corbett, of Syracuse, Chelsea Galek, of Syracuse, Bobby Galek, of Syracuse, and Carly Galek, of Australia; eighteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Irene was predeceased by her stepson, Andrew Smothers on July 24, 2005; and two brothers, Czeslaw Tomczak and Waclaw Tomczak.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, beginning with a prayer service at 10:15 AM at LaRobardiere Funeral Home, Inc., followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, Taberg, where the Rev. Francis A. Wapen will officiate.  Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Taberg.  Family and friends are invited and may call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home, 109 Main St., Camden.