May 1, 1931 - November 7, 2021

FRISCH Irene, of West Hartford, CT, widow of Eugene Frisch, passed peacefully on November 7, 2021. A lifelong lover of books, Irene lived many chapters.

She was born on May 1, 1931 and raised in Drogobycz, Poland. From ages 11-15, she survived the Holocaust.

After liberation, she served in the IDF, attended law school in Tel Aviv, and finally came to the U.S. There she married fellow survivor, Eugene, whom she met on a blind date courtesy of her sister, Pola. They raised Randy and Sharone in Teaneck, NJ, while Irene earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from Columbia University. Irene held several prestigious positions, including head librarian for Sterling Drug on Park Avenue.

After retiring, Irene and Eugene relocated to Fort Lee, NJ where Irene took up bridge and painting, published stories about her life, and especially enjoyed time with her four grandchildren. Irene spent her final chapter in West Hartford, CT.

She was predeceased by Eugene; parents, Sarah and Israel Bienstock; siblings, Pola and Ludwig; and courageous Frances Sobkowa, the Righteous Gentile who hid Irene during the Holocaust. Irene leaves behind her children, Benjamin (Randy) and former wife Wendy; Sharone and Paul Kornman; and grandchildren, Jacob, Isabel, Joseph and Ariel.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 9 at 1pm at Cedar Park Cemetery; 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ, 07652, officiated by Rabbi David Small. After interment, the family will observe the first Shiva night from 6-8pm on Tuesday at 207 West 75th Street, Apartment 2, NY, NY.

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- First night Shiva will be held at 207 West 75th Street, Unit 4, NY, NY from 6-8 and second day Shiva 1-3pm and 6-9pm.

- Connecticut Shiva continues in West Hartford on Thursday, November 11 from 4-6pm at The Emanuel Synagogue, no registration needed.

- On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, Shiva will be held at the Kornman house; 15 Highland Street, Unit 310, West Hartford, CT, 06119 (capacity will be limited for COVID safety).

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford or Voices of Hope of Connecticut.

Published by Hartford Courant on Nov. 9, 2021.