Irene Troje Obituary

Irene A. Troje

Irene A. Troje, age 94, passed away on November 7, 2025.

Irene was born August 10, 1931, in a tiny wood-framed home on the prairies of Fox Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada. When she was seven years old, she and her siblings moved into the Lacombe Home Orphanage after the death of their mother. Their father, Walter, was heartbroken by the loss of his wife and, despite his tireless efforts working from sunup to sundown on the family farm, was unable to provide the care his young children needed. In time, Irene and her siblings were separated to live with relatives across Western Canada.

As teenagers, Irene and her sister, Mary, worked as migrant laborers on a sugar beet farm. Later, seeking education, employment, and love, Irene and Mary moved to Brandon, Manitoba, where they lived with their Aunt Anna and cousin, Rosetta. There, Irene worked as a cook at a local hospital and earned her culinary certificates.

It was during this time that Irene met the love of her life, Robert Troje, while socializing with friends. They married on November 6, 1954, and in 1956, moved to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream, working hard to build a bright future for their growing family.

Irene's greatest accomplishment was raising her daughters with enduring love and faith. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures. Many would say she was an earthly angel. Faith was the cornerstone of her life, reflected in her lifelong membership at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Irene devoted herself to her home and family as a proud "domestic engineer," while also serving as the financial officer for Robert's Remodeling and Rental business. She gave generously of her time by volunteering at church and in her children's schools, always finding ways to support her community.

Irene had a lifelong passion for cooking. Her flavorful, homemade meals such as pigs in a blanket, potato dumpling soup, pierogies, and beef tip goulash and her beloved baked goods, including old-fashioned cheesecake, apricot pastries, fruit pies, bread, and rolls, were expressions of love shared daily with family and friends.

Beyond her kitchen recipes, Irene shared another one-her Recipe for a Happy and Contented Life:

Love, Understanding, Forgiveness, Courage, and Patience.

Look for beauty within every person.

Always be kind.

Gardening was also a vital part of her life. She grew vegetables, fruit trees, and grapevines, enjoying her harvest fresh or preserved through canning. Irene also enjoyed reading, bowling, watching figure skating and hockey.

A firm believer in health and wellness, Irene was a proud 30-year member of the YMCA, where she cultivated lifelong friendships.

Together, Irene and Robert enriched the lives of all who knew them. They loved spending time with family and friends, fishing on Lake Erie, hosting pig roasts, fish fries, and "party chicken" cookouts. Friday nights at the VFW were filled with laughter, dancing, and camaraderie. Their travels around the world created countless cherished memories.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; parents, Walter and Tekla (Potiuk) Wilk; twin daughters, Mary and Ann Troje; siblings, Mary Sichman, Alex Wilk; grandchildren, Levee Segur, Katie Morrissey, Maxwell Morrissey, Benjamin Morrissey; son-in-law, Michael Phillips; grandson-in-law, Derek Besgrove.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane (Melvin Sr.) Marek, Patty (Bob) Morrissey, Linda Phillips, Brenda Troje; grandchildren, Chrism Hoisington, Travis Segur, Erin Besgrove, Carolyn (John) Berryman, Brookelyn (Isaac) Swain, Lucas Phillips; granddaughters-in-law, Darah Morrissey, Kaddie Morrissey; great-grandchildren, DeVante and Terrell Johns, Kyzer Segur, Bryce, Aubree and Maya Besgrove, Willow and Myles Berryman, Wilde and Recker Morrissey, Weslee and Benna Morrissey, Owen and Jewel Swain; great-great-grandchild, Maloa Johns; sister, Josie Blanchard.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Gardens of St. Francis and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their compassionate care and support.

Services will remain private, with interment in St. Ignatius Cemetery.

In Memory of Irene, consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Alzheimer's Association.

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