It is with great sadness that the family of Irene Josephine DeBorde (nee Cwalina) announces her passing. Irene, age 81, passed away on April 8, 2018 at her home of 48 years in Arnold, MD.

Irene was born on May 16, 1936 to Genevieve and Frank Cwalina in Baltimore, MD, where she was also raised. She is survived by John DeBorde, her husband of 52 years; daughters Lisa Avendt (Tim) of Clarksburg, MD and Janai Gillin of Severna Park, MD; grandchildren Anne, Gabrielle, and Lillian Avendt; Madison and Benjamin Gillin; and siblings Dorothy Tucker (Seattle, WA), twin sister Bernadine Zambotti (Ferndale, MD), Patricia Piraino (Baltimore, MD), and Francis "Bo" Cwalina (Stevensville, MD). She was predeceased by a sister, Frances Cooke, and a brother, Edward Cwalina.

Irene graduated from Southern High School in Baltimore City followed by two years at John Hopkins University, where she studied psychology. After careers in Human Resources and Instructional Design, she retired in 2010. Irene lived in Kitzingen, Germany for three years with her husband and they returned to the United States to their current residence. Irene had many hobbies and interests, which included traveling the world with family and friends, reading anything she could get her hands on, constant pursuit of knowledge, and, most recently, researching her genealogy. She was a devoted "Mimi" who loved being involved in her grandchildren's lives. One of her many accomplishments included creating and publishing "The Cwalina Family Cookbook."

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Church, 620 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401. Family and friends may gather at a reception following the mass in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The National Kidney Foundation or The American Cancer Society under the page for Irene DeBorde.