Obituary of Irene Julia Fischer

We are sad to announce the passing of Irene J. Fischer of Venice, Florida. She died at age 79 on April 24, 2023 at home with her loving husband, Laurence. Irene was born on April 13, 1944 in Yonkers, NY to Irene and Ferdinand Schery. She and her brother Mike grew up in Yonkers and attended St. Barnabas schools and parish. She graduated from Marymount College in 1965 with a degree in English. Irene later went to get her master’s in teaching and spent over 30 years teaching elementary, high school and special education in the Yonkers and Harrison, NY school districts. 

 In 1966 at St Barnabas church, while showing up to a volunteer meeting, Irene met the love of her life, Laurence (Larry) Fischer. She was at first not impressed because he had a cigar. Nevertheless, very quickly, they realized they were the perfect match, both devout Christians and devoted to their single mothers. Irene and Larry spent the next two years falling in love and married in August 1968.   

 Irene and Larry moved to Valhalla, NY in 1970 where they set up their home and community at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Irene was a devoted Christian and involved in building the church community, where she started the Cursillo retreat program and helped those who wanted to convert to Catholicism through RCIA.  Irene most wanted to be a mother. After years of struggling to conceive, they finally had three children, Daniel, Julie and Laura. Irene and Larry retired in 2000 in Venice, FL.  

 Irene loved to read, golf and entertain friends. She was endlessly curious about history, culture and travel. She was a consummate mother and nurturer to many – her children, community members and students.   

Family and friends are invited to attend a mass at 10am on Tuesday, May 2 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, FL as well as a funeral and burial on at 11am on Friday, May 12 at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction. 

She is survived by her children, husband, three grandchildren and three grand dogs.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Catholic Charities (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org)