Irene Stariha, 87
Irene Anna Stariha, 87, Millerville, died November 28, 2011 at Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living in Alexandria.
Irene Anna Stariha, 87, Millerville, died November 28, 2011 at Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living in Alexandria.
She was born June 18, 1924 to Albert and Caroline (Ledermann) Bitzan. She was the third of nine children and was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville. She grew up on a farm on the shores of Lake Moses.
Irene graduated from Brandon High School in 1942. On June 9, 1945 she married Leander Stariha in Millerville. It was a double wedding with her sister Margaret and Phillip Schmidt on her parents’ 25th wedding anniversary.
She and Leander farmed on the Stariha family farm east of Millerville for 40 years. There they raised five daughters. She was the financial secretary for the St. Catherine Council of the Catholic Aid Association for more than 40 years. She sang in the church choir and was a member of Christian Mothers and the Millerville Homemakers. She served on the Millerville City Council from 1986-2002. She will always be remembered for her love of flowers and gardening. Irene was a great cook and also enjoyed sewing, fishing and playing cards.
In 1985, Leander and Irene moved into the city of Millerville. Leander passed away in October 1998. Irene moved into Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living in August of 2009.
Irene is survived by her five daughters and their spouses, Kathy (Michael) Scott of Camano Island, Washington, Patricia Stariha of Robbinsdale, Annette Stariha of Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia, Cecilia (Arlen) Holzheimer of Rockville, and Bernice (Paul) Dalluge of Millerville. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Rochelle Stariha, Brian Holzheimer, Steven (Laura) Holzheimer, and Christine Holzheimer, David Dalluge, Ann (Steve) Pohlmann and Gary Dalluge; two great-granddaughters, Alexi and Natalia; three sisters, Margaret Schmidt, Bernadine Schiele, Florence (George) Dorn and three brothers, Edward, James (Carol) and Charles (Sue) Bitzan; sister-in-law, Frances Gabriel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; an infant son, Gerald, in 1953; and her siblings, Dorothy and Robert Bitzan.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 2 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville.
Visitation is Thursday, December 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary and parish prayers at 7 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
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Tags: obituaries
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