Obituary of Irma Jonza

Irma Emma Jonza passed away peacefully on September 29, 2021, at age 91, after a brief illness, with her children and grandchildren at her side. She was born July 3, 1930 in Yonkers, NY, the daughter of Otto and Frida (Feucht) Engler. She graduated from Gorton High School in Yonkers. Irma married the love of her life, Jack M. Jonza, June 18, 1949 in Yonkers, both of whom celebrated their 70th anniversary together in June 2019.

She found her love of teaching and strong faith in the Church of the Holy Family in Vernon, NY, where she taught religion class and ran the RCIA program and youth group for many years. Irma was instrumental in starting the folk choir, food pantry, and gift giving to church families less fortunate during the holidays. She also was a confirmation teacher and was the CCD director. Her faith inspired her to be of service to others throughout her life.

She is survived by four daughters, Christine (Brian) Randall of Vernon, NY, Janet (Robert) Lewis of Henrietta, NY, Jeannemarie (James) Fess of Fairport, NY, and Jeryl (Michael) Reitzel of Syracuse, NY, and two sons, Jay Jonza (Florence Cecilia) of New York Mills, NY, and James (Nancy Lee) Jonza of Lake Elmo, MN, as well as 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also survived by brother, Robert (Joan) Engler, nephew, Philip H. (Crystal) Wenzel, niece, Wendy (John) Mierek, and Beth (David) Childress, of whom Irma considered a daughter, and many other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband, Jack M. Jonza of Fairport, NY, and by sister and brother-in-law, Frida and Philip W. Wenzel of Vernon, NY.

She and her husband resided in Vernon, NY, for 49 years, where they raised their six children. In their golden years, Irma and Jack moved to Middlesex, NY, near Canandaigua Lake and wintered in Inverness, FL. Irma had a love for the outdoors and camping, most notably at Nick’s Lake in the Adirondacks, where her family has now had a long tradition of camping for the past 55 years. Irma also had a love of music and was a member of the Oneida Civic Chorale, and the church choir wherever she lived. She also enjoyed dancing, painting, and reading a good book in her pastime. In recent years, Irma and Jack moved to Fairport, NY, to be closer to family. For the last two and a half years, Irma resided at the Fairport Baptist Home where she loved taking long walks to her favorite fish pond. Irma is to be interred next to her husband Jack at Elmwood Cemetery in Fairport, NY, on Monday, October 4, 2021.

No prior calling. Irma’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, October 4, 2021 at 1:00PM at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave., Fairport, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Maryknoll Mission or Catholic Relief Services as a tribute to Irma’s unwavering commitment to helping communities in need around the globe.