Irene Rucker

Irene Rucker, 89, of Deerfield Beach, Florida and Center Valley, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2007 at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem. She and her husband Gus would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on December 26.

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey on February 9, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Johanna Susoljak. In her early years she was a volunteer nurse during World War II, became a licensed practical nurse in 1948, and spent much of her time volunteering at the schools where her sons attended. Irene was active and enjoyed walking with her husband, swimming, tennis, bowling, and crocheting. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow up.

Irene was a member of St. Ambrose Church, Deerfield Beach, FL.

Survivors: She will be lovingly remembered by her husband; son Norman and his wife Nancy, of Jackson, N.J.; son Daniel and his wife Mary Beth of Bethlehem; grandchildren Kathryn, Amy, Brian, Kerrin, and Daniel; three great grandchildren; and brother Alphonse Susoljak of Pompton Plains, NJ. She was predeceased by a brother and two sisters.

Services:

Visitations will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad Street Bethlehem, on Thursday, December 27, 2007 from 7 to 9 pm and Friday, December 28, 2007 from 8 to 9:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Friday at Church of the Assumption B.V.M. in Bethlehem.

Contributions may be sent to Sacred Heart Hospice, 2268 S. 12th Street, Suite 404, Allentown, PA 18103.