Irene J. Wall

Irene J. Wall, née Slomczewski, of Edison, New Jersey, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in Newark to the late Tadeusz Slomczewski and Genowefa Wintczak, she was one of four children. After graduating from West Side High School in Newark, Irene worked as a legal secretary at a law firm in Bloomfield. In 1960 she married the love of her life, Jimmy, and became a stay-at-home mother to their two daughters, Debbie and Danielle. The family was affectionately known as “the 4 Walls.” Later she returned to the workforce, serving at Merck Pharmaceuticals in Rahway for ten years until her retirement.

Irene found joy in camping, playing Canasta, bingo, and Scrabble. A dedicated activist for Edison Township, she was a passionate advocate for environmental causes. Deeply proud of her Polish heritage, she was an active member of the Polish Cultural Foundation in Clark, an organization her parents helped found. She was equally devoted to her country, wholeheartedly supporting American troops by sending care packages to her Marine pen pals. Her faith remained central to her life; through the RCIA program at St. Francis Cathedral, she sponsored Jermaine Shepherd, who became a cherished lifelong friend along with his aunt, Alice Jenkins.

Predeceased by her husband, James J. Wall in 2011, her sister Halina Hercek and brother Leonard Slomczewski in 2020, and her son-in-law Joseph Czech Sr. in 2024, Irene is survived by her daughters, Debra Czech of South Plainfield and Dr. Danielle Wall of Somers Point; her grandson Joseph Czech Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Lebanon; and her great-grandchildren Brayden and Gabriella. She also leaves her sister Barbara Silva, sisters-in-law Ann Slomczewski, Frances Rudge, and Elsie Kartischko, along with many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends Sharon Ansley and Cathy Wasner.