Irene M. Kelleher, 98, a proud lifelong resident of Bethlehem, died on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. She was born May 13, 1919 in Bethlehem; daughter of the late Antal “Tony” and Irene (Varga) Kovacs. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Kelleher.
Irene attended St. John Capistrano School, Liberty High School and Bethlehem Business College. During World War II, Irene served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Irene worked as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within the Department of Welfare. Irene was a devoted parishioner of St. Annes Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Sodality. Other organizations that Irene enjoyed being a member were the Hungarian Catholic Club, Allentown Art Museum, St. Bernards Ladies Auxiliary, and Serra Club. She was a founding member of the Holy Family Manor Ladies Auxiliary and had great fun volunteering for St. Lukes Hospital, especially during Musikfest.
Irene will be dearly missed by her daughters, Colleen Weiss and husband, Rick Weiss; Dr. Kathleen Whittaker and husband, Dr. William Whittaker; and son, John Kelleher; as well as her four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her son, Joseph E. Kelleher; sisters, Violet Kovacs; Catherine Horvath and Sister Andrea, F.D.C; and brothers, Anthony and Kalman Kovacs.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at St. Annes Catholic Church, 450 E. Washington Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017 on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Catholic High School, in the memo please include Kelleher Scholarship Fund, c/o Development Office, 2133 Madison Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US
Visitation
Monday, March 26, 2018
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
St. Anne's Catholic Church
450 Washington Ave.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, March 26, 2018
11:00 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
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