On Saturday January 30, 2010, Irene M. Pleva, 80, of Cedar, peacefully departed from our world to bask in the tender warmth of her heavenly reward.  She was surrounded by her loving family and the warm caring staff of Grand Traverse Pavilions. 
Irene was born on the family farm in Cedar on June 6, 1929 to the late Vincent and Rosabelle Witkowski.  She attended Holy Rosary School in Cedar through the 12th grade, graduating as salutatorian and earning a full scholarship to Aquinas College.
On June 25, 1949 Irene married Andrew J. Pleva at Holy Rosary Church in Cedar.  She spent the next 40 years working with her husband Andy in the family owned meat business.  Irene was a warm friendly people person and she enjoyed greeting the customers and waiting on them.
In addition to working in the family business, Irene was also a proud and talented homemaker.  Her home was always spotless and ready for company.  Fresh homemade baked goods, usually including a pie, were always available. 
Irene was very involved in Holy Rosary Church and School and the Cedar Community, frequently holding an office in many of the local organizations.  She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and an avid supporter of Right to Life. 
Irene was very appreciative of the talents God had given her and she generously donated many home-baked and handmade goods to church, school and community fundraisers.  She also gifted her neighbors, friends, and relatives with home-baked goods, especially at Christmas time. 
Irene’s strong Catholic faith was a very important part of her life.  Despite her sometimes very busy life, she always managed to find time to pray the daily rosary.  It is this faith that guided Irene throughout her life and has now delivered her to heaven.  She will be forever cherished and loved by all who experienced the joy of knowing her. 
Surviving Irene is her daughter Christine A. (John) Norconk of Traverse City, four grandsons; Matthew, Mark, Michael, and MacKenzie Norconk, her four sisters Helen Flees, Elizabeth (Edward) Drzewiecki, Dorothy Gauthier and Agnes Finch, two brothers Edward (Leona) and Donald (Patricia) Witkowski as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 
Irene is preceded in death by her husband Andrew, and two brother-in-laws Dean Gauthier and Dennis Finch.
Visitation was held from 5-8pm with a Rosary held at 7:30pm on Tuesday February 2, 2010 at Holy Rosary Church in Cedar.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11am on Wednesday February 3, 2010 also at the church with visitation held one hour prior.  Burial will take place in the spring at Mt. Calvery Cemetery.  Rev. Donald Libby served as celebrant.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Grand Traverse Pavilions, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, or Cedar Fire and Rescue. 
Irene and her family would like to thank the staff on Cherry at Grand Traverse Pavilions for their loving care and support.  Please sign Irene’s online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com  The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.