Irene F. Hora Saniga, who lived most of her life in Bentleyville and was a very civic minded citizen, passed away Monday morning, January 10, 2022 at the age of 95.
Born January 20, 1926 in Braddock, Allegheny County, she was the oldest girl of the six children of Alexander and Mary Hora.
Irene was last of her siblings, who were Edward, Alexander, Alice, Henry and Lillian.
A child of the great depression, she knew how to sacrifice and to survive hardships and be thankful for the good times.
She was happily married to her husband, Milton, for 66 years until he passed away in 2015.
Sadly, she leaves behind her cherished two children, Suzanne Skrypak (Gino Opice) and Mark Saniga (Jeanene); grandchildren Karl Skrypak, Natalie Skrypak, and Keith Saniga and one great-grandson Karl Skrypak III.
Irene was dedicated to her community and loved Bentleyville and worked very hard to make it a better community.
She was the first female of the borough council at a time when it was unusual. She became president of council, where she was able to promote and advocate for the town for well over 30 years.
Through her efforts, Irene obtained grants to build Richardson Park and the new borough building. Bentleyville was in her heart.
In addition, she was a Washington County committee woman and would transport people to vote for years.
She was honored to be elected to the Tri State Borough Association as a board member representing all the boroughs in Pennsylvania.
Irene was a member of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish.
She was a proud member of the Bentleyville Democratic Women's Club and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Dolores 1675.
She was a dedicated promoter of her heritage and spent over 25 years as an officer of the National Slovak Society, Assembly 377.
Irene was an accomplished baker with specialties, such as nut rolls, homemade blackberry pie, doughnuts, stuffed cabbage and ethnic foods.
In the end, all that matters is love and she shared her love with her family and community.
There will be no public visitation.
Friends are welcome to her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Saint Katharine Drexel, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville, with the Reverend Edward L. Yuhas, Pastor, as celebrant.
At the church, it is highly recommended that everyone wears a mask or facial covering.
Private burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests your consideration of memorials to Saint Katharine Drexel Parish or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.com/donate)
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thompson-marodi.com
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