Janet Fragale Irwin, 82, of Norwalk, CT, passed away on Wednesday, February 24th at Norwalk Hospital. She outlived two beloved husbands; John Fragale and later Donald Irwin both of Norwalk, CT.
Born August, 10th, 1934 in Garden City, NY, she was the daughter of John and Madeline Caldwell. Janet graduated from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and from Yale University with a Masters Degree in Languages, having been one of the earlier women to graduate there. Her passion and career focused on travel and language, with particular affection for France and its culture. This included working for the United Nations as a French/English Interpreter, many years as a primary school teacher, and later as a travel agent, culminating in running her own travel agency.
Janet is survived by her son Marc Fragale and daughter Laurie Martin as well as grandchildren Brian, Michael, and Anthony Martin. She is also survived by her sister Madeline Mueller and niece Jean Sivisky. Family members also include Marc’s wife Alison Fragale, Donald’s children Patrick, Steven, Marion and Lucy as well as many extended family members and loved ones.
Services are conducted by Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk and St.Thomas The Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk.
A wake will be held at Collins Funeral home on Tuesday 4:00-7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Church on Wednesday at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in St. John Cemetery, Richards Avenue, Norwalk.
Donations in her memory may be made to: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, www.theMMRF.org