Irene Roswitha (Kastenhuber) Macieski “Oma”, age 82, of Ansonia, entered peacefully into rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Wesley Heights. She was the beloved wife of the late Jack Allen Macieski.
She is the beloved mother of Thomas Langrieger Sr. and his wife Karen of Ansonia, and Michael Langrieger Sr. and his wife Lori of Madison. Proud Oma to Michael Langrieger Jr. (Chelsea) of Guilford and Sean Langrieger (Johanna) of Madison, Ashley Trimarki (Justin) of Seymour, Thomas Langrieger Jr. (Michelle) of Prospect, and Kirsten Prizio (Daniel) of Middlefield. Great-Oma to Aubrey and Whitney Langrieger, Brooke, Madison, Kali, and Colson Trimarki, Owen, Chloe, and Avery Langrieger, and Kylie Prizio. She is also survived by her brother, Otto Kastenhuber of Northford, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Tony, sisters Helen and Helga, and niece Gabby.
Irene was born on August 10, 1943, in Munich, Germany, daughter of Anton Kastenhuber and Maria Magdalena Sagawe. She immigrated to the United States on August 26, 1961, and later became a U.S. citizen on December 4, 1970, while residing in West Haven, CT. From early on, Irene carried a strong, determined spirit that would define every chapter of her life.
Irene eventually met Jack Macieski, a United States Marine Corps veteran and Bridgeport Police Officer. The two eloped and married on August 10, 1982 in Las Vegas, NV. Quickly thereafter, Irene embraced the opportunity for a new life and boldly relocated over 3,000 miles away to pursue warmer weather, excitement, and a more vibrant lifestyle in Las Vegas.
Irene built a long and successful career in the bar and restaurant industry, which was truly her passion. She owned and operated two popular restaurant lounges in Bridgeport, including Irene’s Café and Capn Jax from 1973 until their move to Las Vegas in 1982. In Las Vegas, she brought that same energy and determination to life when she opened Dealer’s Choice Lounge in 1984. She fully embraced the Vegas lifestyle—dealing blackjack, playing video poker, bartending, playing in pool leagues, and enjoying the fast-paced energy she loved so much. She remained in Las Vegas for many years, working tirelessly in the industry until she physically could no longer continue.
Irene and Jack remained married for 38 years until his passing in 2020, standing by one another through all of life’s challenges. Following his death and the closure of Dealer’s Choice, Irene returned to Connecticut after decades away—though not without protest, as she famously had to be convinced (and lightly bribed) to get on the plane and leave the Vegas life she loved behind.
Irene was a woman of strong will, sharp wit, and unmistakable presence—petite in stature but a true force to be reckoned with. Fiery, independent, and unapologetically herself, she never backed down and could hold her own in any room she entered.
She had a famously strong opinion of Connecticut, disliking most of it except for Frank Pepe’s white clam pizza and her German favorites at Noack’s Meat Products in Meriden. She eventually lived in Ansonia with her son and daughter-in-law before moving to Wesley Heights as her dementia progressed, where she became well known and loved among both staff and residents. She especially loved visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren where she could often be seen smiling, laughing, and lighting up when they came to see her. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff and caregivers at Wesley Heights as well as Bishop Wicke for their compassionate care, kindness, and support shown to Irene during her time there.
Outside of work, Irene enjoyed life fully and without hesitation. She adored dogs throughout her life—from Ace, Yukon, Duke, Chesty, Sunny, and Stormy. She was a very passionate shopper, and loved having her children and grandchildren visit for summer vacations, which brought her great joy. She loved traveling to Hawaii and California to enjoy her love for the beach.
She also cherished simple daily pleasures: strong coffee made exactly the way she liked it—very strong and very sweet, watching the stock market every morning and cooking traditional German dishes. Her rouladen, spaetzle, German pancakes, German potato salad and even her famous German pancake soup were made with pride and love. She also enjoyed fresh bagels with lox and would thoughtfully prepare buttered sandwiches for her grandchildren’s flights back home or road trips to California and we can’t forget her all time favorites- king crab legs, tiramisu and Captain and Coke.
Irene always presented herself with pride—her hair done, her nails done—but you would never catch her in a dress. She lived life on her own terms, with her own style and her own rules.
Friends may greet the family at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home at 253 Elizabeth Street in Derby on Friday from 2 to 4:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church at 5 PM.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warrior Project.