Irene D. Poranda of the Ridgewood At Shenango Valley, Hermitage, formerly of Chesapeake Ct., Hermitage, and Shady Dr., Farrell, passed away at 1:35 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System, after a brief illness. She was 95.

Irene was born November 5, 1921, in Farrell, a daughter of Andrew and Susan Dupay Poranda.

She was a 1940 graduate of Farrell High School and a lifelong area resident.

Irene worked as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone for more than 40 years and retired in December of 1983 from its Youngstown location. She was a lifetime member of St. John's Orthodox Church, Hermitage.

An accomplished seamstress, Irene designed and made her clothing for many years. Her passion was playing bridge and she belonged to several clubs throughout her life.

Surviving are: two nephews, Richard Joseph, Hermitage; and Thomas Joseph, Canton, Ohio.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Ann Joseph and infants, Agnes and Mary Poranda; a brother, Michael "Pity" Poranda; and a nephew, Michael Joseph.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. John's Orthodox Church, 3180 Morefield Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or Sharon Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 740 E. State St., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hour will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, January 14, 2017, in St. John's Orthodox Church, Hermitage.


Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, in the church, with Rev. David Mastroberte, pastor, officiating. Interment: St. John's Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.