Irene M. Panik, of Woodbury, CT, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2016 in River Glen Health Center, Southbury. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John (Helen) Panik of Bridgeport, former owners of the Panik Funeral Home in Bridgeport. She is pre-deceased by her brother, Ferdinand Panik and her sister, Ethel Panik Hubbard. Irene was formerly educated in the Bridgeport Schools, namely, Sts. Cyril and Methodius elementary, and Warren Harding High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Youngstown College (University) and later earned a Master's in Education and a Sixth Year Degree from Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT. Irene worked as a research chemist in some industrial plants and holds patents and publications. She was very active in her parish church and later was a lay teacher in her parish school for some years. She then moved on to teach at Holy Family School in Fairfield. Upon retiring, she moved to Woodbury, CT. Irene enjoyed painting, and needlework, employing oils or acrylics on canvas, or petit point embroidery. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 3rd at 10 a.m. in Sts. Cyril and Methoius Church, Bridgeport. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. There will be no calling hours. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford.