Sister Irene Marie, formerly Sister Mary Liliose, was born in Trenton, NJ to Andrew Sarnecki and Helen Witkowski on August 31, 1931. She was the youngest of 4 children, 2 brothers and 1sister. She and her siblings were schooled by the Felician Sisters in Holy Cross School, Trenton, NJ.

Influenced by the Felician Franciscan Sisters, Irene developed a tender love for Jesus and His mother Mary, the saints and the angels. Later in her religious life, she prayed fervently to Blessed Mary Angela, the Foundress of the Felician Sisters. Irene did not forget the Felician Sisters who impressed her in elementary school even as she attended St. Mary Cathedral High School in Trenton, NJ where the Mercy Sisters taught.

On August 2, 1949, she entered the postulancy of the Felician Sisters and was sent to teach Grade 4 in Holy Rosary School, Baltimore, MD.
One year later, on August 12, 1950, she began her canonical novitiate. She then professed her temporary vows on August 13, 1951. Six years later, on August 13, 1957, she professed her final vows.

Studying at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, she obtained her BS in Education and later in 1974 achieved an MA in Religious Education from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Philadelphia, PA. With steadfastness she dedicated 44 years of religious life to teaching the middle and upper
grades in Felician schools in MD, DE, PA and NJ. Gentle and soft-spoken, she served as a model of goodness for the students who learned much from her kind manner. Emphasizing students' courtesy, friendliness and respect for one another, the children in her classrooms conducted themselves admirably. Always conscientiously prepared, Sister Irene held the attention, interest, and enthusiasm of her charges.

Sister Irene served as principal for 9 years and local minister for 14 years. For 16 years she ministered at Our Lady of Grace Home, caring for the children. During her lifetime she suffered from depression and panic attacks which made her attention to her duties more difficult. However, she struggled to be faithful to all that she had promised, entrusting herself to the merciful Christ, begging for the grace to be a worthy Felician.

In 2001 she retired to the Care Center in Lodi where she ministered as a part-time receptionist and offered the ministry of Presence.   Eventually in her final years she endured the ministry of suffering and diminishment. She was grateful for the concern of her sisters, especially Sister Mary Elaine, who had entered the convent with Sister Irene Marie and for the wonderful care given by the nursing staff of the Immaculate Conception Convent.

On Friday afternoon, March 14, 2025 with Sisters at her side, Sister Irene peacefully went to her Lord.

The funeral Mass took place today, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi. Presider and homilist was The Rev Msgr. Edward Arnister, brother of Sister Mary Juanita, and a fellow Trentonian. After the funeral, the body was taken for cremation and future burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Trenton. Sister Irene Marie was buried with her parents.

Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord…

May she rest in peace.…