Irene C. Petko

Irene C. Petko, 84, of Bethlehem, passed away July 13, 2010 at the Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's in Bethlehem. Born in February 14, 1926 she was the daughter of the late Mary Domitter and Charles Csaszar. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Francis J. Petko, Sr. on April 20, 2009.

Irene worked at the Purity Food Market, The Maples Restaurant and also Leh's Department Store. She also dedicated much of her life as the co-owner and operator of their family owned grocery store, Petko's Market in Limeport. She was a parishioner of the former St. John Capistrano Catholic Church, Bethlehem. Irene was a hardworking family woman who was always happiest in the company of family. She was a dedicated wife and a wonderful mother who was often called mom by people other than her own children.

Irene will be lovingly remembered by her children, Mary Carol Bartley, Francis J. Petko, Jr., Timothy J. Petko, Jayne Hartzog, Rita Petko-Sands, Regina Gottshall, Nancy Winkler, and Christopher Petko; grandchildren, Justin, Erika, Gregory, David Jon, Ann Marie, Jesse, Leah, Zachary, Harley, Taylor, Roxy, and Blaze, great-granddaughter, Sidney and brother, Carl Csaszar.

She was also preceded in death by her children, Irene and Richard, brother, Rudy and sisters, Theresa, Mary, Helen and Annie.

Arrangements are being handled by Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem where viewing hours will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2010 from 7 to 9 PM and on Friday, July 16, 2010 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Incarnation of Our Lord Catholic Church, 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem.

Interment will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Irene's name to Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's 1510 Valley Center Parkway-St. 200 Bethlehem, PA 18017.