Irene A. Anthony

Irene Agnes Anthony (McCandless), 93, of Bethlehem, PA passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Irene, a devout Catholic and member of St. Annes in Bethlehem, was a 1941 Liberty High School graduate whose school yearbook described her as just the girl to cheer you up when you are blue. Her pleasant smile and happy laugh will undoubtedly prove a great asset in future life.” Ask anyone who spent any amount of time with Irene and theyd tell you that smile and laugh never faltered.

She advanced her education by attending and graduating from Immaculata College (now Immaculata University) in 1945 where she attained her Bachelor of Science degree. Her classmates welcomed her infectious laughter, her smiling Irish eyes, and her childlike faith and devotion. And although they also mention her charming simplicity, Irene was anything but simple. After graduation, she went to work for Sacred Heart Hospital Dietary Department in Allentown, PA and later worked at the former Western Electric where she applied her college education and work experience in nutrition menu planning and nutrition to manage the employee cafeteria. Family legend tells of the first flirtatious meeting between Irene and her soon-to-be husband, John Anthony. She returned the dark-eyed mans remarks “Monsignor Huesman said to say Hello” by her handing him an extra large slice of pie and a lovely grin. Irene married John at St. Annes Church on May 14, 1949.

Irene returned to school in the mid-1970s to obtain her teaching certificate and taught elementary science as well as other subjects at St. Annes Catholic Elementary School for fourteen years until her retirement in 1984. An article written in the parish calendar noted, “Her familiar face, her talents, her faithfulness and loyalty, and her lovely disposition will be sorely missed.” After her retirement, she traveled extensively with her husband to Germany, Ireland, Spain and other countries. She was a voracious reader and instilled the love of books in all of her children.

Irene is survived by her children, Michael Anthony and wife, Susan; John Anthony and wife, Cindy; Mary Anthony; Anne Anthony and husband Ron; Bill Anthony and Joseph Anthony; fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018, from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017, and 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Annes Church, 450 Washington Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the name of Irene Anthony to Immaculata University: https://ua.immaculata.edu/giving/.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Viewing
Monday, February 27, 2017
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Viewing
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
10:30 AM
St. Anne's Catholic Church
450 Washington Ave.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531