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Irene J. Smithbower
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | May 03, 2016
Irene J. Smithbower, age 81, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, May 2, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 2, 1935 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Polak Shivy.
Irene was a secretary at Irvin Works, Pittsburgh, taking time off to raise her family and later working as a secretary through temporary services. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish, where she was active in the Christian Mothers serving as treasurer, volunteering for the annual bazaar and was also active in the Marriage Preparation program, in which she and her husband worked with newly engaged couples.. She volunteered for many years at St. Agnes School while her children attended there. She was involved in the community, serving as Judge of Elections for Westmoreland County. Irene was a wonderful, loving wife, mother and grandmother who always put the needs of others first. She loved to dance, especially polkas, and was very proud of her Slovak heritage, being a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association for many years. Irene will be forever remembered for her delicious cooking and baking. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Shivy, and sister, Helen McGettigan. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Sherman G. Smithbower; son, Daniel Smithbower; daughters, Suzanne (Bruce) Hartner, Celeste Smithbower; granddaughters, Jessica, Lauren and Sarah Hartner; sister-in-law, Joyce Curry and Cynthia Smithbower; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Agnes Prish or to a charity of your choice. Visitation will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 6 at 10 am. at St. Agnes Parish, PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO CHURCH. Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at the Funeral Home reception area at 1pm. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
Originally published May 03, 2016.
Other deaths:
"Susan Lynn Ferree" || "Edmund J. Traczynski"