Irene Rothgeb

Irene Delores Rothgeb, 84, of Tupper Lake died peacefully at Mercy Living Center on Tuesday, July 17, 2012. Born on December 5, 1927 in Johnstown, PA. She was the daughter of Stephen & Lenore Rybacki. She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1946. She moved to NJ and was employed at Royal Jewelers for three years. She accepted a position at Metropolitan Distributors in NYC which later merged with Hertz U Drive It. She was promoted to assistant to the personal secretary of the President in Executive offices besides secretary to the treasurer & secretary of the company. On October 24, 1953 she and Charles A. Rothgeb were married at St. Peter's Church in River Edge, NJ. During her lifetime, she was a member of several clubs in NJ. , the family moved to Tupper Lake in 1969, owned Alpine Motel and operated Big Tupper Ski area cafeteria. She was a charter member and treasurer of the Franklin County ARC, member and officer of the Catholic Daughters. VFW Women's Auxiliary 3120, women's Republican Club, member of St. Anne's society, Legion of Mary, AARP, Franklin County senior citizens, RSVP, Charter member of NHMA, Foster Grandparent program and was a Eucharistic minister at St. Alphonsus church. She was Executive secretary of the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce for 19 years retiring in 1995. During this time she met many interesting people preparing for the 1980 Olympics besides all other events and programs sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. She loved volunteering, traveling and entertaining during her lifetime with husband, children and friends. She is survived by four children; Stephen, Robin and Diane Metema all of Tupper Lake, David and his wife Heidi of Lake Stevens, WA. Four grandsons, Tory and Casey Rothgeb and Charles and Harrison Metema. One sister Sara Line of Allentown, PA, one brother, Stephen Rybacki and his wife MaryAnn of Brunswick, OH, Sister in law Mary Rybacki of Mayfield Heights, OH. One Aunt Genevieve Meade of Portage, PA. Seven nieces, three nephews, 3 great nieces and 2 great nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Charles, parents and brothers Joseph and Charles Rybacki. The Legion of Mary will offer the Rosary for Irene at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 13th at St. Alphonsus church. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 St. Alphonsus church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Memorial contributions may be considered to, High Peaks Hospice, ADK Adult Center and St. Alphonsus church. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.