1931 – 2016

LEWISTON — Irene T. Ciak, 85, of Lewiston, formerly of Vestal, N.Y., passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 27.

She was born Aug. 4, 1931, in Binghamton, N.Y. She was the youngest of Peter and Mary Larko’s nine children.

Irene is survived by her husband of 66 years, Chester Ciak; son, Gary Ciak and wife, Nina, of Palm Harbor, Fla.; daughter, Mary Ellen Costello and husband, Steve, of Lewiston; five grandchildren, Marisa Ciak Faassen, Nicholas Ciak, and Kevin, Stephanie and Courtney Costello; a great-granddaughter, Olivia Faassen.

Irene lived most of her life in the Binghamton, N.Y., area before moving to Maine in 2013. She was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School, a longtime employee of the Endicott Trust Co., and a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott, N.Y.

Irene was known as a wonderful cook. Specialties from her Slovak heritage included pierogi, paska bread, nut rolls and a variety of holiday cookies. Dancing, listening to polka music, playing slot machines and traveling with her husband were among her favorite pastimes. They enjoyed many years of vacation time with family at the Jersey shore as well as numerous trips to Maine and Florida to spend time with their beloved grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to extend gratitude for the excellent care given to Irene while a patient on 4-West at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion and from Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.