IRENE HIRKALA

She was born on October 22, 1932 in Weirton, WV to John and Mary (Kuchta) Hricik.

Irene graduated from Weirton High School, Weirton WV, and Cleveland State University, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s of science in Political Science. She was also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. Irene was a learned woman with a great capacity for thought and know- ledge who placed a high value on education. She had a deep appreciation and respect for scholarship and worked steadfastly to instill the love of learning in her children. Irene loved great music and possessed a beautiful singing voice. She was a lively conversationalist, a wonderful confidant and wise friend. She will be deeply missed, but her beauty, encouragement, inspiration and love will live on always, in our hearts.

Irene is survived by six children; Mark Stephen Hirkala of Houston Texas, Diane Lynn Osterfeld (Tim), of Tucson, AZ, Karen Lee Jacobson of Westford MA, Elaine Cheri Fisher of Seattle,WA, Patricia “Trish” Jane Sabella (George) of Hinckley, OH and Matthew James Hirkala (Carmen) of Sacramento CA; seven grandchildren, Adam Stephen Fisher (Erika) of London, UK, Emily Ann Fantacone (Joe) of Peyton, CO, Caleb Lawrence Fisher (Juliana) of Bothell, WA, Claire Marie Hamilton (Luke) of Tucson AZ, Liam Ferdinand Fisher of Fargo, ND, Alexis Tovah Jacobson Ford (John) of Wrentham NH, Hannah Simone Jacobson of New Haven, CT, a sister Elizabeth Ann Wern, Cary NC, and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Stephen Daniel Hirkala who passed away on 15 December 2010, a sister, Marian Hricik of Weirton, WV, her granddaughter, Alicia Elizabeth Osterfeld of Cincinnati, OH, her son-in-law, Gary David Jacobson of Westford, MA, and her brother-in-law, Robert Neal Wern of Bryantown, MD.

A Mass was held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brunswick, OH. on August 23, 2024.