Irena S. Galajda

At the age of 85, Irena Stanislawa (Wilk) Galajda entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 10, 2026, while under the compassionate care of Highland Park Rehab and Healthcare Center in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Born in Majdan Krolewski, Poland, on September 29, 1940, Irena was the cherished daughter of the late Bronislaw and Zofia (Sudol) Wilk and was one of three children. Irena's life was marked by love and devotion, especially to her family. She was united in marriage and love to Michal Galajda, with whom she shared 63 wonderful years, welcoming into the world their two beloved children, Derek and Anna. Following the passing of her husband in 2025, Irena continued to embody strength and warmth in her family’s lives.

In the 1990s, Irena and Michal embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to the United States in search of greater opportunities. They initially settled in Revere, Massachusetts, where they remained close to their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. She became proficient in English to study and pass her US citizenship test in English, proudly receiving her US citizenship in 1998. Irena also pursued a career as a store clerk in a clothing boutique at the Prudential Center in Boston, an experience she cherished until her retirement in 2005. Following her retirement, the couple spent two years in their homeland before returning to reestablish their cherished home in Chelsea, where Irena lived for 19 years.

Irena was a devoted parishioner of the former St. Stanislaus Church in Chelsea, reflecting her deep faith and commitment to her community. She was renowned for her exceptional talent in the kitchen, skillfully preparing traditional Polish meals and festive pastries that brought joy to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. With an insatiable curiosity, Irena enjoyed tackling challenging crossword puzzles, mastering new technologies, and traveling extensively across the United States and to Hawaii.

Irena is predeceased by her beloved husband, Michal, and her brother Ryszard Wilk. She is lovingly survived by her son Derek Galajda and his wife Barbara of Peabody, Massachusetts, and her daughter Anna Fila of Warsaw, Poland, along with her late husband Derek. Irena took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to Daniel Galajda, Greg Galajda, Isabella Sudol, and Karolina Fila, and as a loving great-grandmother to Jan, Cecilia, and Julian Sudol, and dear sister to Stanislawa Miernik of Warsaw, Poland. She will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends, along with the caring staff at Highland Park Rehab and Healthcare Center. 

Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend visiting hours for Irena S. Galajda on Friday, September 18th, in the Welsh Funeral Home, located at 718 Broadway, Chelsea, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Her funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday, September 19th, at 8:30 AM, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint’s Joseph and Lazarus Church, 59 Ashley St., East Boston, at 10:00 AM. Services will conclude with interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

Irena Galajda leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories in the hearts of all who knew her. Irena’s family wish to extend their gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at Highland Park Rehab and Healthcare Center for the devoted and compassionate care she received. May she rest in eternal peace.