Irene E. Sterlein

Irene E. Sterlein, 93, of Bethlehem, died on Monday, August 24, 2009 at Hospice House of St. Luke's in Lower Saucon.

She was the wife of the late Joseph F. Sterlein. They had been married for 68 years.

Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Julius and Rose Kovacs Birkas.

Irene will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Joyce, wife of Charles Schumacher of Palmer Twp.; as well as her two grandchildren, Jody Schumacher Scofield of Maryland and Scott Schumacher of Minnesota and her nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was a member of the former St. John Capistrano Catholic Church. She enjoyed volunteering for her church and the Hungarian Catholic Club. Her hobbies included dancing, making crafts, traveling, sewing and going to Atlantic City. She was an extremely loving and devoted person to all members of her family and friends. Irene will be sadly missed by her entire family.

She was also preceded in death by her sister Mary Donchez and her brother, Julius Birkas.

A viewing will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem on Friday, August 28, 2009 from 9-9:30AM

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Friday, August 28, 2009 at Holy Infancy Catholic Church 312 E. 4th St. Bethlehem PA 18015

Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church, Rita Guerrieri Scholarship Fund c/o Connell Funeral Home, Inc. or to the charity of one's choice.