Irene M. Kelhofer Age 84 of Harmar Twp. , passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Beloved wife of the late Daniel and daughter of the late Gaetano Marsico and Rosina (Panza) Marsico.
She is survived by her children, Kevin, Kirk, Kyle (Kofa) and Kirsten (Chris) Beda; her grandchildren, Kayla, Kristina and Justin; her siblings, Sisto (Margaret) Marsico and Louise Broderick; her sister in-law, Francis Fisher; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. With optimism, dignity, and hard work, Irene met God’s challenges and embraced each day with her beautiful smile. A proud Pittsburgh native, Irene graduated from Aspinwall High School in 1951 and then attended Pitt, graduating in 1955 with a degree in business.
With determination and 1950’s style, Irene subsequently entered the business world. In 1957, Irene met the love of her life, Dan, married soon thereafter and had four children. Sadly in late 1967, Dan was diagnosed with cancer and died six months later.
Widowed at the age of 34, Irene had her young children to support and raise. And she did – with grace and hard work – on her own, her way, always with her beautiful smile. Irene’s greatest joys were her children.
She selflessly dedicated her life to them, trying to provide every opportunity and experience that she could. A firm believer in education, self-sufficiency and hard work, Irene simply encouraged her children to try their best, just as she was. To keep the same hours as her children, Irene obtained a masters in secondary education from Duquesne to become a guidance counselor.
In 1973, Irene began her 32-year career as a guidance counselor at Fox Chapel High School. She loved her students and was always so proud of them. In 2005 at the age of 72, although still young at heart, Irene retired.
Irene led a full and extraordinary life – singlehandedly raising & providing for her family and touching many young lives for the better – always with her beautiful smile. May the world be a better place having been touched by Irene’s love, optimism and kindness. And may Irene now be in the arms of God, reunited with the love of her life, resting in peace.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 6-8 pm and Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 6-9 pm at WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, 100 Center Avenue, Aspinwall, where a parting prayer will be held Thursday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Christian funeral mass at 10 am at Saint Joseph Church, O’Hara Township. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in memory of Irene M. Kelhofer to the Alzheimer’s Association , 1100 Liberty Ave. , Suite E201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Donations may be made to: Irene M. Kelhofer, Alzheimer’s Association 1100 Liberty Ave.
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