Irene Jacobs

Struthers - Irene Evan Jacobs, passed away Sunday evening, March 20, 2016 at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House.

Irene was born December 20, 1925 in Struthers, the daughter of Ann Hosa Houston and John Evan. She was raised and lived all of her life in Struthers until moving to Shepherd of the Valley Assisted Living facilities in Boardman.

Irene was very proud of her Struthers roots and especially the neighborhoods of the Northside where she still calls home and made many lasting friendships that have sustained over the years.

Irene attended the Struthers City Schools and was a hard worker starting from an early age to help her mother. In addition to taking evening classes at South High School, she worked at many places, among which were Dr. Mossman's, McCrory's, Friedman Confectionery, and was one of the many original "Rosie the Riveters" at General Fireproofing during the war. In 1956 she started working for Dr. Weaver in Struthers where she found a home, retiring in 1981 after 25 years of service.

Preceding her in death, along with her parents, was her husband, Albert Jacobs, who died May 29, 2012 after 68 years of marriage. They were married March 12, 1944 in Youngstown in a civil ceremony then renewed their vows at St. Mary's Church in Colorado Springs, CO where they lived while her husband was stationed at Peterson AFB.

Irene is survived by a son, Gerald (Gwen) Jacobs of Kennewick, WA; and a granddaughter, Tracie Lyn Jacobs of Portland, OR. She was so proud of her family and looked so forward to their many visits back to Ohio which made her the happiest.

Irene leaves behind to cherish her memories, a very special niece, Beverly (Dennis) Mordocco and their daughter, Danielle of Canfield, who were always there for her and helped Irene when ever she needed anything. She also leaves sister-in-law, Flo Hosa Doughtery of Les Cruces, NM; step-sister, Billie Gutheridge of Spring Hill, TN; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends she has made along the way.

Irene's brothers, James (Helen) Hosa and Leo Hosa both preceded her in death as well as step-sisters, Thelma Fredericks and Jean Egolf. A very special friend, Tom Rober, also passed before her.

Irene was a devout Catholic and prayed the rosary daily along with her many daily prayers for friends and family. She had been a long time member of Christ Our Savior Parish at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Struthers.

Golfing, bowling and traveling were among her many passions. She took many trips to Florida and once to Hawaii. Irene, and her husband Albert, also took the Amtrak Silver Bullet to Washington State to visit their son and granddaughter. It was a wonderful scenic trip which she often recalled with a smile.

Her cooking and baking skills were a delight to all who were lucky enough to enjoy them and she always made sure her granddaughter got homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Irene will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. John's Cemetery in Lowellville. A service will be held Thursday 10:00 AM at the chapel at St. John with Fr. Bernard Gaeta officiating.

Irene's family would like to thank the caregivers at Shepherd of the Valley for all the wonderful care and attention they have given Irene over the years. Her years there were very happy and contented. They would also like to thank the friends who were more like family who helped her along the way especially Dennis and Lee Smith and the family of Emil and Ann Bobby.

Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers is handling the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.