Irene Loder

Irene Loder passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, which was the wedding anniversary of her marriage to her beloved husband Jim who pre-deceased her in 2018.  Irene was the mother of seven children: Michael (Mary), Jimmy (Ann), Laura (Terry Engel), Suzanne (Joe Antonello), Chris (Carmella), Greg, and DJ (Leanne).  She was the grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  And even though she couldn’t keep track of them all, she cherished each one of them.

Irene was born on December 18, 1927, in the small coal town of Avella, PA and was the youngest of 6 lively children, whose father Anthony Zick died young in the coal mine.  Her strong resilient mother Mary instilled in her children a deep Catholic faith that sustained Irene her whole life.

As a young woman working in Pittsburgh, Irene told stories of dancing the jitterbug with young men who were back from war until she met Jim and embarked on a love story that would endure for 63 years. 

Irene loved to read mysteries and romances and always had a jigsaw puzzle in the works on her table. Her children and grandchildren knew that chocolate was her favorite gift and any form of sugar was always welcome.  Irene will be truly missed by her family, but they are comforted knowing that she is reunited with Jim and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord at last.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am followed by burial in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Aliquippa.  Arrangements entrusted to R. D. Copeland, Ltd., Coraopolis

The Mass has been rescheduled from Saturday at 9:30 am to Monday at 10:00 am due to travel delays for family members. 

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