Irene S Griswold (Foster)

Irene Stahl Griswold (Foster), 95, passed away on March 2, 2023. Predeceased by husband of 47 years Donald W. Griswold Sr., parents Gilbert G. Stahl and Tressa Sniegowski (Snow) Stahl, siblings Marie Mika, Grace Donahue, Jane Treadwell, June Hanley, Gayle Hendershot, Jim and Jack Stahl, and several brothers and sisters in law. Survived by sons Donald Jr. , Eugene (Bobbie), and Douglas Griswold and grandchildren Douglas (Elizabeth) Griswold; Kimberly (Chane) Burk; Tiffany Bert (Amar); Wayne, Timothy, and Randy Griswold; great grandchildren Dylan and Hunter Burk, and Noah Bert, Chase and Emmelyn Griswold.  Survived by siblings Rex (Judy) Stahl, Jean Pelham, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born in Binghamton, NY and raised in the North Fenton area, Irene had a life of both joy and pain. Sent away from home at a young age to serve as a domestic where she would be treated with kindness by some but abused by others. Began working at the age of 16 at the Erie Lackawanna Railroad Station lunch counter. Subsequently her mom brought her to EJs where she worked for over 50 years. Irene loved music and dancing. She met the love of her life Donald at the Orchard Rest in North Fenton. Donald’s parents Howard and Edna Griswold invited her into their home and graced her with unconditional love and support. She always worked, and raising three boys was tough as nails and tenacious.  She was extremely generous, kind, and civic minded. She volunteered at the Chenango Fire Company and served on the Sanataria Springs PTA. Irene also loved to travel and was always discovering new experiences such as deep sea fishing in the Boston Harbor and reeling in a huge one or taking a single engine plane ride with her brother in law Bob Hanley well into her 80s. She was still shoveling snow, mowing her lawn, and gardening in her 90s. She lived in Shanks Village, Sanataria Springs, and Binghamton.  Irene’s last few years were difficult with dementia taking over her mind while her grit held tough. She will be remembered a South Street Cemetery, Triangle, NY. Friends and family are invited to Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church in Binghamton at 1:00 p.m. for a service followed by a luncheon reception on Friday, March 10. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com.