Livonia: Irene Obolensky Beggs, beloved mother of Alan and Alexandra, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 23, 2017 at the age of 86. Predeceased by her loving husband, Alan, and parents Paul Ivanovitch and Alexandra, she is survived by her grandchildren Stephen, Amanda, Grandbear and Willow, her brother George, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Irene was born June 24, 1930 in Paris, France, but grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany before emigrating to New York City in 1950. After receiving her undergraduate degree with the class of 1955 from the College of New Rochelle, and a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University, she worked with unwed mothers for the Bureau of Child Welfare of New York City until the birth of her children who she raised in Riverdale, NY.

Always an avid gardener, Irene was also active in many other areas: she sang soprano and helped lead several choral groups, became American president of the Japanese-American woman’s organization Nichibei Fujinkai, and took numerous music and art classes throughout her life. She was a lifelong learner, obtaining her driver’s license and a second bachelor’s degree in voice from the Mannes School of Music, and becoming an accomplished artist, all her 60’s. Her specialty was botanical illustration, which married her love of plants and art.

For the last ten years of her life, Irene lived in Livonia, NY where she became the loving center of her daughter’s family. In life Irene possessed a warm and generous spirit. She shared her love of music, art and nature with all, and valued her friends and family above all else. We will carry her with us in our hearts.

Funeral Services and burial will be held privately at Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield, NJ. To send a condolence or to share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com