Irene M. Simko

Irene M. Simko, 94, of Springdale Twp., passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on Thursday, February 27 at home. Born on August 31, 1930, in Lower Burrell, she was the daughter of the late John M. and Victoria (Slahtovsky) Bragiel. She attended Stewart School, graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1948, and worked as a credit clerk for Montgomery Ward. Irene was married to Gabriel Simko for 57 years before his passing in 2012. 

 She was a devoted homemaker and loving mother to five boys, a dedicated Babcie (grandmother), and still managed to find time for gardening, ceramics, and creating cherished memories with family at the family cottage in the Laurel Highlands. Irene previously enjoyed “walking” (back when jogging was getting popular) and would walk around Springdale 5 days a week! At 85 years old, Irene embraced adventure with a thrilling hot air balloon ride and jet boat adventure. A member of Sts Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Tarentum she belonged to the Rosary Society, the Ladies Altar Guild, and participated in Baking Fundraisers for many years.

 Survivors include her sons Robert M. Simko, of Tarentum, Daniel P. (Debra) Simko, of Acme, Ronald J. (Marianne) Simko, of Atlantic, VA and David M. (Lisa) Simko, of New Castle. Also surviving are her grandchildren Benjamin Simko, of Blacksburg, VA, Elizabeth Simko, of Brooklyn, NY, Matthew Simko, of Blacksburg, VA, Michael Simko, of Cranberry Twp, Rachel Simko, of Cheswick, and Valerie (Corey) Wood, of New Castle and great-grandchild John Wood. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Mark S. Simko, sister Helen (Raymond) Davidowski, brother John (Henrietta) Bragiel, and sister Frances Bragiel.

Family would like to thank her caregivers who provided loving care: Sharon (her right-hand lady for 2 1/2 years), Andrea , Danieal, Marty, Heartland Hospice, and Jean of Dementia 360 who provided outstanding family support.

Family and friends will be welcome Friday, March 7, from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 in Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 Parastas service with Rev. Wesley M. Mash will begin at 3:00 on Friday. Panachida service will begin at 9:15am at the funeral home on Saturday, March 8, with a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial to follow at 10am in Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church Tarentum with Very Rev. Vasyl Polyak, officiating. Burial to follow graveside at Deer Creek Cemetery, Cheswick, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Dementia 360, c/o Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation, 1215 Hulton Rd, Oakmont, PA 15139. givetosrcare.org, please use the drop-down box to choose Dementia 360. VISIT: dusterfh.com