On Aug. 21, 2013, L. Irene Gradek left this world, which she joyfully inhabited for 90 years.

Irene was born in Candiff, Ontario, Canada, and raised in Niagra Falls, N.Y. She became a naturalized citizen when she married Bruno Gradek in 1943.

After Bruno’s Air Force tour of duty during World War II, Bruno and Irene moved to San Francisco, where they lived for several years before buying a home in 1950 in Belmont, Calif., to raise their family.

In Belmont, Irene spent her days as a dutiful wife and loving mother and found opportunities to volunteer and explore several hobbies. One of her favorite pastimes was learning about spiritual consciousness and self discovery.

They purchased their Witter Springs ranch in 1961 and spent the next 22 years as weekend farmers and eventually retired in Witter Springs.

Bruno and Irene shared 58 years together before Bruno preceded her in death in September 2004. After Bruno’s death Irene continued to pursue her desire for self learning and cherished her several groups of special friends in Lake County and Belmont.

Irene was a gentle soul with a twinkle in her eye who could brighten a room with her smile. For all who knew and loved Irene, they will remember her as a tender person who loved her family unconditionally and was a supportive, generous, kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and spiritual friend.

Irene is survived by her children, James Gradek and his family in Belmont, Calif., and Reno, Nev.; Karen Rashleger and her family in San Carlos, Calif.,; and William Gradek and his family in Witter Springs, Calif.

The family wishes to send special blessings and deep gratitude to Irene’s nephew, Kai Lawrence, for the gift of care and love he gave her in the final years of her life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 1625 N. High Street, Lakeport, Calif., telephone 707-263-0357.