Irene Pozulp Cragen

Irene Pozulp Cragen, born September 27th, 1915, has passed away at the age of 103. She peacefully passed on January 20, 2019 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL surrounded by family who dearly loved her.

Irene lived a long and full life. She was the eldest child of Emma Uzemek and Napolean Pozulp, both of whom immigrated to Chicago, IL from Lithuania in 1908 and 1903 respectively.

Irene’s father established and grew a prosperous meat packing and sausage making business in Chicago, Cherry Brand Meat Packers, Inc, which he started in 1913 with only a horse and cart. Irene worked in the family business alongside her father and three younger brothers. She became the Secretary Treasurer, with a staff of 4, until her retirement in 1973.

Irene moved to West Palm Beach, FL with her husband in 1976 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren, and lived there until 2003.

In the early 1980’s Irene took up ballroom dancing. She had always loved dancing and in little time at all, at the age of 68, she became a contestant in amateur dancing competitions. This remained Irene’s favorite hobby for the rest of her life. She went on dancing for almost 30 years, winning numerous prizes and amateur awards.

Irene also loved children. She championed children’s welfare and deeply believed in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. To that end, Irene trained to be a Guardian ad Litem for children in Palm Beach County FL., and worked for The Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program for 7 years. She positively affected the lives of so many children, giving them voice and agency in the face of some of life’s harshest circumstance. Her love and concern for children continued after she moved to Vero Beach in 2003, where she became a volunteer at Beachland Elementary School helping struggling children with reading, reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Irene was a dedicated community member and leader. She was a deacon of her church, First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach. At First Presbyterian Irene established and led an Emotions Anonymous group for many years. She believed in the power of a community to lift-up and heal its vulnerable members.

Irene also loved to travel. She traveled extensively throughout the world all her life, touring numerous times through Asia, Europe, South America, and living in both Beirut, Lebanon and Logos, Nigeria for periods of time. Irene also loved the arts. She played the piano in a quartet for years when living West Palm Beach. She was also a volunteer usher at the Kravis Center For The Performing Arts for numerous seasons.

Irene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, two granddaughters, two grandchildren, and her loving niece.

In lieu of flowers, gifts, or cards the family kindly welcomes all to donate to VNA Hospice House, which made all the difference in ensuring a peacefully passing for Irene and support for her grieving family.
VNA and Hospice Foundation
1110 35th Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32960

www.VNATC.com/foundation/waystodonate
Contact: Michelle Deschane at (772)978-5568

Additionally, for more photos of Irene and her life please visit her Memorial website at https://irenepozulpcragenmemorial.blogspot.com