Irma Z. (Zlanabitnig) Vincens

Irma Z. Vincens, 85 of Manchester passed away March 12, 2021 at home with her family by her side after a short illness.   She was born in New Britain, CT on July 27, 1935 to John Zlanabitnig and Irma (Krenos) Zlanabitnig.  

Irma graduated from New Britain High School with honors in 1953 and during that time taught religious instruction at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Britain, CT.

While attending Central Connecticut State University, she worked summers for the City of New Britain in the central office and for the city’s recreation department.  Irma graduated from CCSU in 1957.  She married Andrew P. Vincens in July 1957 and started her teaching career as a grade 4 teacher at Waddell Elementary School in Manchester, CT.  Irma took a leave of absence to raise her 3 boys, Andrew J, Barry, and James.  While raising the boys she continued her education at CCSU to earn her Masters degree majoring in Elementary Education, with a concentration in special education.  Irma worked with special needs children until she retired in 1998.  

Raising her family was the greatest joy of her life.  She loved watching her boys grow up and later treasured the time she spent with her 6 grandchildren.  Irma loved to cook and bake and would make cookies and bake item especially for each person, on those special days or just to surprise them.  She knew what each individual loved to eat and would cook those specialties. Her chocolate chip cookies were a staple at the college dorms of her boys and grandchildren.  Irma’s children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Irma was an active and valued member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Manchester, serving on many committees during her 58 years as a member there. Notably, she served on the Member Care and Staff Support Committees, Congregational Council, and a trusted confident of pastors and staff.  When the congregation asked, Irma said, “Yes.”  The church honored her decades of service by naming her “Concordian of the Year” in 2011.

In addition to the teaching, family, nurturing friendships and church, Irma also had other passions, routing for UCONN’s basketball teams (she hardly missed a game), water color painting, several book clubs, making her own Christmas cards from her paintings, and was an active member of ADK and the retired teachers association. 

Surviving are her husband Andrew P, her son Andrew J, her son Barry and his wife Wendy, her son James and his wife Pamela.  She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Eric, Kevin, Cindy, Alex, Christopher, and Benjamin.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 40 Pitkin Street, Manchester, CT 06040, The American Cancer Society or New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. 

Burial will be private on Saturday, March 20, 2021. To leave a memory or message of condolence for the family, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

A celebration of life service for Irma Z. Vincens will be held on August 21, 2021 at 10:30am at Concordia Lutheran Church 40 Pitkin Street, Manchester, CT family, friends and guests are invited to attend this service in memory of Irma Vincens who passed away on March 12, 2021.

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