Irene Silverman, maiden name Samuels, was born on March 12, 1920 in Lodz, Poland. When she was 4, she moved with her mother and father to San Francisco, California, where they joined members of the extended family. Irene’s brother, Lew Samuels, was born when Irene was 14 years old.
Irene graduated from the University of California, where she met Al Silverman. Married after knowing each other 3 months, they had a loving, lively relationship for 70 years. Together they had two children, Lynn and Martin. They enjoyed travelling, visiting many places in the world. Their favorite city was Rome, Italy, where they lived for a year and returned as often as possible. In their later years, Irene and Al moved to Kendal at Ithaca.
Irene’s love of Italy led her to become a member for several decades, until she was 100 years old, of an Italian group, where the participants read and discussed books in Italian. She made close and long lasting friends in this group. After Al’s death in 2012, Irene went on a group trip to Iceland. Since then, she has continued a friendship with several of the people from that voyage.
Irene loved art. She studied art history and became an expert in local Ithaca artists. Together with her friend Janice Esman, they ran the Upstairs Gallery, where local artists were able to show their work. At Kendal, she was an active member of the Art Committee, which has embellished Kendal with the works of local artists.
Irene has loyal friends. On the occasion of her 100 th birthday, her children organized a party for her that was attended by around 100 people, coming from far and wide, as well as locally, to joyously celebrate her long life.
Many people have expressed that Irene is a role model for them. Her generosity, grace, intelligence and fortitude are much admired. She will be sorely missed.
She is survived by her children, Lynn and Martin, their spouses, Jean-Marc and Claudia, her grandchildren, Matthew, Alexandra and Philippe, her brother Lew, her sister and brother in law Marilyn and Phil, as well as her many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 10 am at the Lakeview Cemetery, Ithaca, NY with Rabbi Rachel Safman officiating.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Irene Samuels Silverman, please visit our flower store.