Irene Shuster

Irene R. Shuster (nee Becht), age 88, of Upper Darby, PA, passed away on January 18, 2014. Born in West Manayunk, PA (now Belmont Hills, PA), she was the daughter of the late William and Helen Becht (nee Bayges). She was a graduate of Roxborough High School. Irene was employed as a receptionist at The Watkins Senior Center in Upper Darby for 25 years and was currently employed at the time of her death.



Irene is survived by her children Arleen LaRell (Daniel) of Skippack, PA, Joanne D'Antonio (Joseph) of West Chester, PA and James Shuster (Eleanor) of Secane, PA, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Shuster, her twin sister Eleanor Flanagan and her brother Dale Becht.



Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing Wednesday, January 22, 2014 8:30-10:15 AM The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby (610) 449-0300 and to her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM St. Alice Church, 150 Hampden Road, Upper Darby. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to The Watkins Senior Center, 326 Watkins Avenue, Upper Darby, PA 19082 would be appreciated.



The following eulogy was shared by Arleen LaRell during the Funeral Mass



Our mother was a lovely lady!



She entered this life with her twin sister Eleanor 88 years ago on December 30, 1925, she passed away on January 18th, the same day her sister died 25 years ago. She is now reunited with Eleanor and our dad in Heaven. Our dad was the apple of her eye. He loved and spoiled her always.



My mom was a true people's person! She began her career in retail at Strawbridge and Clothier and the Gimbels; which became the only place we would shop growing up, much to my father's dismay! She worked part time at The Watkins Senior Center which was her second home. She truly adored her co-workers and formed many wonderful friendships.



We admire our mother for her courage and strength. She was a very strong willed, independent and proud woman as any of you know. She suffered from Parkinson's but pushed herself everyday to get dressed and of course pick the perfect jewelry to go with each outfit. The Parkinson's was not going to take over her fashion!



Her hobbies included reading, watching her soap opera's, sitting in the sun for many, many hours and eating chocolate! She loved chocolate; we cleaned up many bud wrappers over the years! Taking drives with us was a favorite. She loved eating out, she would say and where are we. She wanted to tell everyone at the center where she went that particular weekend.



She was an adoring gram to each of her grandchildren. She called each grandchild on their birthday to sing Happy Birthday. She made them all feel special and very loved. As a great grandmother she enjoyed playing, telling stories and this summer even gave them dance lessons, the jitterbug. Her love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can't be measured!



She even had grand dogs who she loved; they were a special part of her life. They all loved her weekend visits and watching for her to drop food or sneak them a bite or even a tissue!



Irene was a mother to Dan and Joe and enjoyed her chats with El. Jim was the highlight of her life, my sister and I remind him of that often. He was her Sunshine! She was a friend to Joanne and a hero to me!



We could all fill a book with tales and stories of her but I would be up here reading for days. We all loved her very, very much. We will miss her beyond belief, but I know she is happy and no longer scared of what lied ahead. She went to Heaven to be with God in her time and her way.



Thank you all for coming, it means so much to JoAnne, Jim and I.

Visitation

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM
The Donohue Funeral Home
3300 West Chester Pike Newtown Square 19073, United States