Ilene Grando

Ilene (Plecenik) Grando, born January 25, 1947, in Trafford, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, with her beloved daughter Gina by her side. She was a loving mother, cherished wife, devoted family member, and a woman whose kindness touched everyone she knew. Ilene was raised in Trafford and spent her life caring for her family and community. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur (Artie) Grando; her parents, Susan (Dency) Plecenik and Andrew Plecenik and her brothers Andrew, George, Robert, and Thomas Plecenik. She is survived by her daughter, Gina Grando, whom she adored and loved with all her heart. She also leaves behind her sisters, Janet (Plecenik) Wampler and Deborah (Plecenik) Bracken and her brother, John Plecenik. Many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as her own. Ilene's love for her family and faith was central to her life. She cherished her memories with her husband, talking about him every day, and kept his love close to her heart. She was passionate about her faith, involved with her church, and actively participated in the Vintage Voyagers, sharing her love for Jesus with others. Throughout her life, Ilene worked diligently, beginning her career at the Port Authority, where she painted buses and later applied decals from the sign shop. In her twenties, she owned a wig shop in Market Square. After her retirement from the Port Authority, she enjoyed driving a small school bus for a private school, sharing her love for children and treating all children as her own grandchildren. Ilene's creative spirit shined through her love of crafts and floral arrangements, often filling her home and yard with beautiful decorations for every holiday. She was always fixing something around the house or outdoors, tending to her beloved flowers. She was loved and appreciated deeply by her neighbors in Trafford, who she considered friends and family. Her warmth, kindness, and lively spirit made her a beloved member of her community. Ilene's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who loved her. Rest in peace, Ilene. You will be missed dearly. Her Service will be held at Norwin Christian Church 9610 Barnes Lake Rd, North Huntington PA 15642. On Saturday October 11th. Visitation 11am-12pm with a service at 12pm. If you would like to send anything to the church for the service please contact Pastor Rick at 412-716-5993 Professional services entrusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.