Obituaries

Loretta Irving, 96, a guest at St. Mary’s Villa in Elmhurst Twp., and formerly of West Scranton, died Wednesday. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Robert (Herbie) J. Irving, on April 3, 1990.
Born on Oct. 16, 1921, and raised in South Scranton, Loretta was the daughter of the late Henry and Marie Walsh Marx. A graduate of the former St. Mary’s High School, where she served as class valedictorian, she worked for Scranton Electric Company (PPL). She briefly lived in Texas while her husband served in the United States Army during WWII before returning to Scranton, where she began raising her family of six children. She eventually retired as a bookkeeper for the former Dairylea Company in West Scranton. A devoted Roman Catholic, she was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton, where she was a daily Mass attendee and a member of the Convent Guild.
Upbeat, positive and always smiling, Loretta led a remarkable life. From traveling the world to writing books to painting, she leaves behind countless memories of her life’s work. She had authored three books, one of which still remains in the Library of Congress, and her paintings were on display at the West Scranton Library until its closure. A college football fan, she was a loyal (to put it mildly) fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. An amazing woman who leaves her legacy in the hands of her adoring family, she will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her six children, Thomas Irving and wife, Carol, of Scranton; Robert Irving and wife, Diane, of Dalton; Joseph Irving and wife, Josephine, of Hughestown; Therese Irving of Scranton, Edward Irving and wife, Peggy, of Scranton; and Mary Yarem and husband, Michael, of Scranton; six beloved grandchildren, Mike Irving and fiancée, Jennifer; Patrick Irving and wife, Maura; Brian Irving and wife, Rebecca; Erin, Shawn and Samantha Irving; five great-grandchildren, Mia, Maggie, Max, Brogan and Ivy Irving; a dear cousin, Tom Evansew, of West Pittston; and many nieces and nephews.
Siblings John and Irene Marx and Marie Maxwell also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Robert Kaville, the entire staff of St. Mary’s Villa and all of her friends at Mountain View Care Center, who served as part of her extended family in the recent years.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1608 Oram St., Scranton, to be celebrated by the Rev. Richard Fox, pastor. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until Mass.
In her selfless spirit of giving, Loretta donated the ultimate gift of her body to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to advance and benefit medical education and research.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Loretta’s name to St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, c/o 1401 Jackson St., Scranton, PA 18504.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton.