Old Orchard Beach, Maine – Irena Bartnicka, age 87 entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2019 in Scarborough after a brief illness. She was born on June 28, 1931 in Gdynia, Poland, the daughter of Karol and Helena Fic.
Her childhood and early education were disrupted by World War II, and Nazi occupation of her home country. Polish children were not allowed to attend school, and her whole family was thrown out of their home to make room for German settlers. She continued her education mainly through reading books. Her love of literature remained with her throughout all her life. After the war ended she was able to attend school again and obtained a diploma in accounting.
On October 25th, 1958 she married Ludwik Bartnicki at The Holy Family Church in Gdynia, Poland
Prior to her retirement she worked as an accountant for Klimor Sp. Z o.o. in Gdynia, Poland. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to read and liked to discuss all the books that she read.
She was predeceased by her brothers Miroslaw Fic, Longin Fic, and Bronislaw Fic.
She is survived by husband Ludwik Bartnicki, her brother Jerzy Fic, sisters Maryla Matuszak and Janina Strzemkowska, daughter Dorota Pucilowska of Maple Valley, Washington, daughter Justyna Coleman of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, grandchildren Pawel Pucilowski, Greg Pucilowski, Alexandra Coleman and Peter Coleman.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church on Danforth Street in Portland, Maine at 11:00 AM followed immediately by burial at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com