IRENE L. PETERS (nee Legarth), age 91. Beloved wife of 62 years to the late Donald. Loving mother of Denise Paulus (Dave) and Cheryl Jakovcic (Joseph). Lovingly called “Guppy” by her grandchildren David, Matthew, Daniel, Christopher, Gregory, Michael and Sarah; great grandmother of 15. Dear sister of the following deceased; Bernadine Miller, Frank Borish, Joseph Legarth, John Legarth, Anna Wilkovich, Mary Meyers, Evelyn Sikela and Andy Legarth. Also survived by nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Irene was born in a coal mining town of Bute, PA. One of nine children, she was especially close to her parents. She moved to Cleveland, OH with her sister. There she met Donald Peters as she needed a ride back to PA.
They were married in 1951 and had two daughters. Irene enjoyed keeping house and it was always spic and span as she really loved cleaning. Her love of “working in the yard” produced a beautiful landscape year after year.
From the beginning, Irene was active at Holy Family Church. She volunteered at the grade school, helped out at the convent, a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and working at the annual parish picnics her faith was apparent. She rarely missed Mass and did not hesitate to share her thoughts about the homily with the priest whether good or “not so good.”
At the age of 37, Irene went to nursing school fulfilling a life long dream. Hard working and compassionate, she was an ideal example to her daughters who both became nurses.
Irene was a proud and loving “Guppy” to her seven grandchildren.
She and Don (aka “Pa”) did not miss a Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or graduation. They also attended as many high school and college sporting events as possible. Later in life, they enjoyed their great grandchildren.
They also enjoyed travel across the country associated with Don’s USMC
group. Their travel highlight was a trip to Rome fulfilling another lifelong dream.
A constant throughout her life were her faith and marriage. Though Don was Lutheran, they had solid common ground in their shared faith in God.
They lived that faith in 62 years of marriage, raising their daughters in that faith and exemplifying that same faith to their grandchildren and their families.
Irene spent the last 7 years in Altenheim nursing home. Irene was known for making staff laugh , as well as, keeping an eye on others who may need help . As her dementia progressed She would poke staff in the belly or behind as a sign of affection. She was a favorite of many. She attended weekly rosary and church services. We all have so many memories of Irene from being the recipient of the “Irene look” to her loving smile and hugs.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Autism Speaks, 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016; act.autismspeaks.org. Mass of Christian Burial (while practicing social distancing and the use of masks); Tuesday January 19, 2021 Holy Family Church (York Road) at 10:00AM. (EVERYONE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).
CROSS NOTICE: PAULUS see PETERS NOTICE
JAKOVCIC see PETERS NOTICE
LEGARTH see PETERS NOTICE
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