Irene M. Batzinger

Lowville- Irene M. (Bourgeois) Batzinger, 72, of Water St., wife of William “Bill” passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, Utica.

Irene was born in Constableville, on December 22, 1951, a daughter of Donald A. and Avis I. Merry Bourgeois. She grew up on the Bourgeois homestead on the Denley Road, and received her education at Port Leyden Central School, before graduating from South Lewis Senior High School, with the Class of 1970.

She was first employed for several years as a seamstress at Lally Manufacturing Co., Port Leyden and later at Foodland in Boonville, as a store cashier and also in the meat department. Later she was employed as a caregiver in private residences through R.C.I.L. in the Lowville area. Her last employment was as a card replacer at department stores in Lowville and Lewis County, for American Greeting Co., Utica.

On June 29, 1974, Irene was united in marriage with William F. Batzinger, at St. Martin’s Church, Port Leyden. For several years thereafter the couple made their home on Denley Road, before moving to their present home in Lowville, many years ago.

In addition to her devotion to her husband Bill and her family, Irene was a woman who possessed a strong Christian faith. Through her convictions she was able to touch the lives of many throughout the North Country. For many years she served as a worship leader a various Evangelistic Crusades and revival meetings in upstate New York.

The eldest of eight children of Don and Avis Bourgeois, Irene is survived by her siblings; Doug Bourgeois, Croghan, Christine Longway, Lyons Falls, Bernadette LeVesque, Lyons Falls, Karl Bourgeois, Don Bourgeois and Brian Bourgeois, all of Denley. Irene was predeceased by a sister, Ann Bourgeois Hartley. Irene is also survived by her longtime “adopted” daughter and her husband, Wendy and Vova Meleshchuk, and their children, whom Irene considered as grandchildren, Ayden, Ryan and Evlyn.

Her Funeral will be Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at The New Covenant Church, Moose River Road, Port Leyden, where a calling hour will be from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral. Interment will follow in Martinsburg Cemetery. Irene’s arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.