Irene Maki

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. - Irene Maki, 87, of Scotch Plains, N. J., formerly of Hurley, Wis., passed away in her sleep on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019.

Irene was born in Cigánd, Hungary, Aug. 29, 1932. Immigrating to the United States in 1956, she learned how to speak English and built a career in the field of nursing for more than 30 years, specializing as a private family nurse. Moving into the 1990s and early stages of her "Up North" retirement, Irene was the owner of the Eagles Nest Motel, formerly located in Hurley.

As a glowing grandmother in her full retirement years later, Irene offered the greatest comforts of home. She loved sharing stories of her life and homeland with company. She could be found in the kitchen, cooking large authentic hungarian meals or outdoors tending to her exquisite flower gardens and orchard of trees - in which she selected and planted on her property to honor each grand and great-grandchild at the time of their birth.

Irene leaves us in remembrance of her profound wisdom, strong will and generosity. A true matriarch.

Irene is survived by three grandchildren, Robert Madsen, Jennifer Madsen-Reynolds and Gretta Madsen; and 10 great-grandchildren, Robert Jr., Johnna, Brianna, Samantha, Skylar, Cameron, Gabriella Irene, Jeremy, Tyler and Justin.

Free at last, Irene has been carried home to Heaven, with her faith and reunited with her beloved daughter, Gretta Giczi.

Private family services will be held and a celebration of life will be arranged at a future date.