Irene Park

Irene Rose Park, age 96, of Chickasha, Oklahoma passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  She approached the end of her life, as she approached all of her life, with strength, grace and courage.

Irene was born on November 3, 1928 to Bernie and Mary Pawlowski in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Rosary College in 1951, Irene married William Harrison Rose, "Bill". Two years later they moved to Bill's hometown of Chickasha, Oklahoma with their first daughter, Chrissie, to start Bill's dental practice.  Irene always felt that Chickasha welcomed her with open arms, and she continued to love living there for the rest of her life.

After raising five children, Irene embarked on her second career.  She finished her Master's degree at University of Oklahoma and started teaching full time at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) in the late 1970s.  She loved being part of academia, interacting with students and collaborating with her fellow faculty members.  Thus, she subsequently completed her Doctorate degree (PhD) in English and Sociology at University of Oklahoma in 1986.

After being widowed for many years, Irene married Bob Park in 1992. She then retired from USAO on April 30, 1993 and upon her retirement, the Board of Regents awarded her the title of associate professor emeritus of sociology.  During this time, Irene spent many happy years enjoying travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Late in life, Irene met the third love of her life, Burrel Gamble and cherished almost 20 years of love and companionship with him.

Irene was an inspiration to so many, and we will continue to admire her well-lived life as we miss her humor, wisdom and favorite sayings.  Most of all, we will miss her love that she shared generously and boldly.

Irene is predeceased by her husbands, Bill Rose and Bob Park, son Bill Rose, granddaughter Katie McGee, parents Bernie and Mary Pawlowski, brother Bobby Pawlowski and sister-in-law Terri Pawlowski, nephew Jimmy (Colleen) Pawlowski.

Irene is survived by her partner Burrel Gamble, daughters Chrissie Rose (Bob Staebell), Pam (Rich) Watts, Cindy (Rob) Hardin, Susie (Mike) Weeks, grandchildren Jacob (Kyla) McGee, Samantha Hardin (Simone Battistini), Harrison Hardin (Nadine Obeid), great granddaughter Stella Rose McGee, niece Marion (Mike) Malek, nephews Tom (Mary Jo) Pawlowski, Bern (Sue) Pawlowski.

Irene was able to fulfill her wish of living out her life in her beautiful home because of the love, care and support of an incredible group of caregivers.  Our family thanks each of them from the bottom of our hearts.  We thank Rose Woods, Emma Woods, Renee Plemons, Crystal Pifer, Rachel Tarbox, Sherrie Evans, and Alexa Martinez.   Also, we would like to extent our gratitude to Becky Lambert for being a special friend.

Please join us in celebrating Irene's life on the USAO campus Saturday April 12, 2025 at 3:00 – 4:30 pm. The celebration will take place at the USAO Nash library.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either a charity of your choice or the "Irene Rose Park Endowed Scholarship Fund" at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma.  Checks can be made out to the USAO Foundation and sent to: USAO Foundation, 1727 W. Alabama, Chickasha, OK 73018.  Contributions can also be made online at https://alumni.usao.edu/park