Irene Donnelly

Irene Donnelly, 96, of Olyphant, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning.

Born and raised in Olyphant, she moved to Brooklyn, NY, in the late 1950s as she and her husband, James, began growing their family. In the 1990s, she returned to Olyphant to care for her mother. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Semonich. 

A 1946 graduate of Olyphant High School, Irene wore many hats throughout her life. She worked at a candy shop in her early years, then at ICS Correspondence School, and later as a bank teller and an insurance claims adjuster in New York City. She eventually found fulfillment working as a caregiver for VNA Hospice in Olyphant. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, she reconnected with childhood friends, enjoyed walking through town, shopping locally, and attending services at St. Cyril & Methodius Church and Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church. 

Her faith was a guiding force in her life, instilled in her children from a young age. Mass was of the utmost importance, and when she was unable to attend in person, she ensured it was seen on television or the computer. 

Irene had a passion for puzzles, enjoyed watching and feeding birds, and looked forward to bus trips to Atlantic City. She cherished Saturday luncheons with friends, family holidays, summer barbecues, beach trips, and family vacations. She loved playing checkers with her great-grandchildren and was always eager to learn new games, especially Left Right Center, which became a favorite. An avid reader, she encouraged everyone around her to pick up a book. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Donnelly, who passed on January 14, 1986; her daughter, Patricia Donnelly; her son, James F. Donnelly Jr.; sons-in-law, Thomas Brennan, Stephen Martin, and Pasquale A. Gialanella; grandson, Nicholas P. Gialanella; sister, Marie Rinaldi; brother-in-law, Peter Rinaldi; and brother, Joseph Semonich. 

Irene is survived by her four daughters: Sharon Martin of Blakely; Jacqueline Brennan of Staten Island, NY; Irene L. Donnelly of Olyphant; Mary Ellen Alexandria and her husband, Reinaldo Alexandria, of Dickson City. She is also survived by her two sons, Francis Patrick Donnelly and his wife, Gladys Donnelly, of Brooklyn, NY; and Joseph Michael Donnelly and his wife, Pamela Donnelly, of Shirley, NY. She leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Cindy Donnelly of Carbondale; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Geraldine Washkuch of Olyphant; sister-in-law, Darla Semonich of Virginia Beach, VA; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Telespond, Sacred Heart Hospice nurses and staff, and Dr. Bria Tinsley for their compassionate care. 

A funeral service will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, February 24 at Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Garfield Avenue, Olyphant, followed by a Mass at 9:30 AM at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 200 Delaware St., Olyphant. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Friends are asked to proceed directly to the church. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 340 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507.

For directions or online condolences please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.