Irene (Povenski) Busher

Irene Povenski Busher passed away at Cypress Glen Retirement Home in Greenville, NC after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.   

Irene was born in 1929 and grew up on a farm on Rahway Road in Edison, NJ.  She was the daughter of Charles and Agnes (Turback) Povenski who were Polish immigrants.  Irene spoke Polish fluently, was very proud of her heritage, and had the opportunity to visit Poland many times with her husband, John.

 Irene was a graduate of Metuchen High School and an alumnus of Douglas College / Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.  Irene was a lifelong supporter of her alma mater and worked on the reunion committee for her class. She was an avid Rutgers Football fan and season ticket holder for years.

She married John Busher in 1952, and together they owned and operated Busher / Ashbrook Fuel Company in Edison serving the greater Plainfield area.  They had a wide circle of wonderful friends and raised three children.

Irene and John were lifelong members of St. Stansislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Plainfield, NJ.  Irene loved music.   She was a pianist, organist, and had a beautiful soprano voice.  She enjoyed singing with her church choirs, most recently at St. Bernard’s St Clairvoux in Plainfield until her health prevented it.

Irene also thoroughly enjoyed reading, and was an avid supporter of education and the arts. She was lucky to travel to many destinations throughout her life.   Irene loved spending time with her grandchildren, her church, and the broad circle of friends that she loved dearly.   

Most of all, Irene will be remembered as a kind, caring person.  She was always gracious and admired by those around her. The staff at Cypress Glen Retirement Community in Greenville, NC allowed her to live with dignity, care and friendship throughout her illness.   A staff member summed it up as he said goodbye this week. “Irene made a difference in the world.” 

Irene was predeceased by her parents and her husband, John Busher.   She leaves behind three children:  Janice Busher MD, Greenville, NC, Phyllis Busher Lasky and husband Robert, Dayton, NJ, and Richard Busher, Oceanside, CA.  She has 6 grandchildren.  Chris Waivers and wife Nora New Bern, NC,  Michael Waivers, Greenville, NC,   Patrick Waivers  Durham, NC   and Katie Waivers and husband Brian Fields, Raleigh, NC. As well as Sarah Lasky Phoenix, AZ and Kim Lasky and husband Roberto DeBari, Monmouth Jct., NJ.

Friends may visit the family from 4:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, April 25 at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Ave in Dunellen. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26 at 10:00am at St. Bernard and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Plainfield. Entombment will follow at St. Gertrude Mausoleum in Colonia.

“Good Night Irene…we’ll see you in our dreams.”

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