Gibsonia - Irene Wislotsky, 89, formerly of Kulpmont, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2018 at Arbors III at St. Barnabas in Gibsonia.  Her precious and vibrant personality was evident up until the moment of her passing into eternal life.

Born in Shamokin, PA. on September 17, 1929, she was the daughter of the late John and Tekla (Hudock) Herko.

Irene was educated in the Mount Carmel Area High School. She then became a dedicated and valued employee at a local garment factory in Kulpmont, where she previously resided with her family for several decades.  She was a gifted seamstress and also had a great talent for needlework.  Irene lovingly created countless gifts of beautiful decorative pieces that adorn the homes of many of her family and friends.  Those who were fortunate to have received one of her artful creations will cherish it forever.

On August 13, 1960, she married the love of her life, John Wislotsky of Kulpmont. They became husband and wife in  Saint Peter & Paul's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mount Carmel.  For 58 years they lived a beautiful life and enjoyed a marriage that was admired by all those who know and love them.  The couple shared one child, their loving and devoted daughter, Susan.

She was a member of Saint Peter & Paul's Ukrainian Church in Mount Carmel.  Irene's faith was the cornerstone of her life.

Irene devoted her life to her husband, daughter and their entire family. She somehow had enough love to share with extended family and friends and was also known to be a loyal and cherished neighbor in Kulpmont.  Her door was always open to someone in need and her table always had an extra seat available.  Irene created countless warm and happy memories in her home for all those she loved.  Her famous homemade soups helped to heal many people in their time of need.  She was also an avid sports fan and should be considered as one of the most devoted fans the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins will ever have.  With her husband in a chair nearby, wearing their team jerseys, they loudly cheered and enjoyed many a Sunday football or hockey game.  One of her favorite experiences that she shared with her daughter was when Susan surprised her with tickets for them to attend a "Pens" game together.  But Irene's favorite player, out of all the sports she enjoyed was her grandson, Nicholas.  Her eyes lit up with love and immense pride as she shared stories of her "Nick's" hockey games and the accolades he earned in his sport..

Irene also loved music and the chance to dance with her beloved husband any chance she got. In a warm embrace, they happily rang in each New Year. But by far their most special time on the dance floor was when they celebrated the marriage of their daughter.  Irene loved to go to concerts and always ranked the memory of attending one of Engelbert Humperdinck's concerts, alongside two very special friends, as one of her favorites.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Susan Hawkins and husband John of Gibsonia; one grandson, Nicholas Hawkins, and one step grandson Kyle Hawkins, and one step granddaughter Morgan Hawkins. A sister Dorothy Rachilla & husband Edward of New Jersey; two sisters-in-law Anna Herko of New Jersey; and Nadia Kopcho of Fairless Hills; a brother-in-law Thomas Wislotsky & wife Jacqueline of Kulpmont. Irene also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters; Helen, Anna, and Mary; and three brothers; John, George, and Joe.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Irene Wislotsky, 89, of The Arbors III at St. Barnabas, 6005 Valencia Rd., Gibsonia - Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Friday December 21, 2018 at 11:00 am in St. Peter & Paul's Ukrainian Catholic Church 131 North Beech Street, Mount Carmel, with the Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Hutsko, officiating. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg. Viewing will be held Friday morning from 9:00-10:45 with Panakhyda at 10:15 in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home, Inc., 1053 Chestnut St. Kulpmont, C.J. Lucas, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205 Harrisburg, PA. 17110. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com