Irene Rotola

Irene Rotola (Foti), age 98, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Irene lived a long and beautiful life full of grace, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear.

Irene was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on May 12, 1927 to Anthony and Rose Foti. She was the heart of her family- a constant source of strength, comfort, and love. She married her husband Patsy Rotola in 1950, and together they built a home in Cranford filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. She spent her early years working as a hairdresser, then while raising her children worked at Schmid & Sons in Westfield, NJ. Her love only deepened as the years went on and she became a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved unconditionally.

She is survived by her daughter, Roseann Fuchs and her husband Dennis; her son-in-law Richard Niebylski; her brother, Philip Foti; her grandchildren, Anthony Rotola, Melissa Niebylski, Kayla Gunther and her husband Matthew, Matthew Fuchs and his wife Samantha; and her great-grandchildren, Lucy, Lorraine, Mason, and Carter, all of whom will carry her memory and love in their hearts forever.

She now joins her husband Patsy, daughter Patricia Niebylski, and son Louis Rotola in eternal peace, reunited in love.

Irene’s legacy is stitched into her family through kindness, resilience, and fierce devotion to family. She touched countless lives with her quiet strength and spunky spirit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dooley’s Funeral Home in Cranford, NJ.

A funeral service honoring Irene’s life will be held the next day, Saturday, May 31, at 9:00 a.m. at Dooley’s Funeral Home, followed by a 10:00 mass at Saint Michael’s Church in Cranford, with burial to follow at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery in Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, an organization that Irene has lovingly supported for many, many years.