Irene J. Piecyk

Irene J. Piecyk (nee Strasser) passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Holy Redeemer Hospital at the age of 90.  She was born on September 2, 1931, and was the beloved wife of the late WWII Navy Veteran, Francis J. Piecyk, for 49 years.  Irene was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Obermeier) Strasser and loving sister of the late Kay Kersch (Joe) and Mary Rohrbacher (Steve).  She was a devoted and loving mother to her six children:  Frank (Marian), Theresa Umlauft (late Kenneth), Anne Carolfi (Angelo), Tom (Mary), Joan Otto (Bob), and Michael (Sharon).  Irene’s selfless life centered on her family and deep Catholic faith.  She will be truly missed by her children, 18 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and several generations of nieces and nephews.

Irene was a 1949 graduate of Hallahan High School and a longtime resident of the Wissinoming Park area of Philadelphia and a parishioner at Saint Bartholomew Church.  On her way to work as a clerk-stenographer at Frankford Arsenal, she met her loving husband on the trolley.  She later became a full time homemaker instilling a strong work ethic and Catholic values in her children.

Irene was happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren during family celebrations and extended visits.  She enjoyed spending time with them just delighting in the beauty of nature in their back yards. Irene also loved taking family pictures and especially liked taking nature walks with her children and grandchildren in the hope of spotting a graceful white-tailed deer.  During Irene’s final two years, she had the joy of living with her loving daughter, Joan, and her husband, Bob, who welcomed her into their home.  Content with one of Joan’s purring cats by her side, Irene continued to enjoy solving cryptograms and word search puzzles, reading mystery novels, watching classic movies, and observing the colorful flowers, chirping birds, and peaceful deer in Joan and Bob’s yard.  Irene’s Miraculous Medal, rosary, and wedding and engagement rings were her treasures.  Her rosary was in her hand every morning and evening, always praying for her family and anyone in need.  Please say a prayer and extend a word or act of kindness in memory of Irene’s generous, cheerful, and gentle nature. Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing and funeral on Tuesday, September 21st, 2021, from 9:30 – 10:30 am in St. Albert the Great RC Church, 212 Welsh Rd. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. There will be a funeral mass at 10:30am with burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.