Obituary of Irene M. Smidga-Krupa

SMIDGA-KRUPA – Irene M., 83, Twin Rocks, died Jan. 18, 2011, in Philadelphia, in the loving arms of her devoted daughter, Lynda Kay, who cared for her during a long battle with illness and aging. Her ending was bittersweet – she was never so sick and never so happy. At the end, she knew what love was, and understood the true source of happiness – a life fulfilled. Preceded in death by infant brother, Richard Smidga; infant granddaughter, Dana Ann Krupa; husband, Joseph J. Krupa; sister, Maureen Toth; brothers, William Smidga (wife, Fran), Nanty Glo; and Ronald Smidga (wife, Nancy) Lancaster; and sisters, Mary Jane Smidga and Catherine Bubaker, Lancaster. She was the matriarch of a 12-children family. Survived by brothers, Paul “Don” Smidga, Nanty Glo; Walt Smidga (wife, Ina), Baltimore, Md.; and Robert Smidga; and sisters, Rose Marie Smidga-Harper, Augusta, Ky.; and Rita Mae Smidga, and son, Daniel, both of Colver. Irene’s love for her children was foremost – she loved each and accepted them as they had grown to become Mary Theresa Patarini, Baltimore, Md.; Joanne Krupa-Potter (husband, Bob), Falmouth, Va.; Paul Michael (wife, Sharon “Chip” Frampton), Mount Joy, Pa.; Lynda Kay Krupa, Philadelphia; and her youngest, Joseph John Krupa Jr. (wife, Tami (Brosius)), Bedford. Her children blessed her with six surviving grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Estep, Danielle Llewellyn, Aimee (her girl and always will be!) Potter-Paytes, Joshua Krupa, Jacob Krupa and Rebekah Krupa. Her grandchildren blessed her with seven great-grandchildren, her pride above all, Bridget Llewellyn, Randy “Buster Brown” Llewellyn, Deklan Estep, Ian Estep, Piper Paytes, Collin “Bobo” Paytes and Trevor Paytes. She was born in Vintondale, raised in Nanty Glo, and attended the St. Mary’s Church. After marriage, she was a resident of Twin Rocks for 63 years, and a was member of St. Charles Church, Twin Rocks. Irene loved baking; she took great pride and enjoyed pure contentment in her self-taught craft. She was well-known for her love, thoughtfulness and generosity, but nothing more than for her cakes, especially her holiday “poppyseed cakes.” She made more than 100 wedding cakes in her 63 years of baking, and countless poppyseed cakes – possibly in the thousands. Also, when she was able, she loved traveling wherever life would take her, but especially to see her children, her sisters and brothers. She also was a caregiver to many in need, even when not asked, for she asked nothing more than the opportunity to give of herself – pure Irene. Her brother, Walt, and his family, selflessly showed our mother the truth of love, something she had always longed for from her children and was given by those whom could do nothing but love her to the fullest they had to offer. She leaves behind others who will never forget her, niece and best friend, Gina Talerico; niece, Cathy Ann Rolling; loving aunt, Althea Zeglen; good friend for 63 years, Bernice Schall and Christopher Devlin, whom was like a son. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends, who will miss her dearly. Our family will always be grateful for their love of our mother. Family and friends were received Friday. Church service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Church, Nanty Glo, and laid to rest at Twin Rocks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.