Irene Suzanne Bibza

BIBZA, Irene Suzanne
Of Arlington, VA, formerly of Kalamazoo Irene was born February 24, 1917, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Suzanne Gemela Bibza and passed away April 15, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia. She received her B.S. degree at Carnegie Institute of Technology, her M.S. at Alabama Polytechnic Institute with a major in Clothing and Textiles and throughout the years continued studies at many universities. Irene began her teaching career in 1940 and had taught at several schools and universities. In 1965 she came to Western Michigan University WMU where she became assistant professor of textiles and design until her retirement in 1980. Irene was a volunteer at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, was a docent with Kalamazoo Institute of Art, and involved in WMU - Zest for Life Program. Proceeding her in death were her brother, John, who died in infancy, her parents; her sisters, Olga Adkins, Anne Larys and Millicent Skarzynski. Surviving are her sister, Margaret Thouvenelle; and several nieces and nephews. In accordance with Irene's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will take place next to her parents in Versailles Cemetery in McKeesport, PA. Memorials in Irene's memory may be directed to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, or WMU Foundation Drama, Music or Dance Departments. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.langelands.com for online guestbook, condolences and memories for the family.