Irene Steck

Irene M. Steck, 96, of Youngstown, born August 26, 1922, peacefully departed this world to join the heavenly Lord and father on November 26, 2018. She was the last survivor of her “Lesko” brothers and sister and devoted her life to caring for all of her family members as well as friends. Irene was a supportive wife, wonderful mother, gracious grandmother, and a true friend to many. Irene was a patient, persevering, loyal, hard-working person who gave her time and talent to all. She knew a wealth of information about Youngstown’s Westside history and also was a devout Catholic and active parishioner at Holy Name, Saint Catherine’s, Holy Family of Dayton, and more recently St. Dominic’s. Irene emerged as a choir room member, angelic soloist and mass cantoress in the 1990’s. Her Saint Dominic performance of “O’ Holy Night” at midnight mass is still remembered by many.

The daughter of Mary (Hlebak) and Andrew Lesco, her departed sister Margaret, and brothers Andy, Johnny, Stevie, and Tommy were lifelong Valley residents. After retiring from A&P in the 1980s, Irene and husband William Steck enjoyed spending time at their Port Charlotte, Florida residence where her daughter Norma Joshua and grandson Robert Joshua visited. Mr. Steck died on July 21, 1992. She visited Robert on numerous occasions at his Fort Lauderdale residence and lived in Dayton, Ohio near Norma for 12 years. Irene also did bookkeeping for her grandson at the Joshua Tree in Boardman throughout the 1990’s. She and her grandson were well known antiques dealers around town and were aways “at the auction together buying up a storm.” She loved all animals especially her beloved companions over the years, Fifi, Pookie, Hobie, Mia, and Allie.

Left to cherish her memories are her loving daughter Norma of Dayton Ohio, adored grandson Robert Joshua of Youngstown, numerous close nieces and nephews, and friends spanning decades.

A mass of Christian burial will take place on November 30, 2018 at 10 AM at Saint Dominic’s catholic church, preceded by 9:00 AM prayer service at the Higgins - Reardon Funeral Home Austintown Chapel. Calling hours will be from 3 to 6 on Thursday so all may remember and reminisce. The family would like to sincerely thank Hospice of the Valley and Maplecrest of Struthers For their efforts to provide care, compassion, and true quality-of-life and Irene’s later years. Wild flowers are beautiful and appreciated, memorial gifts may be made in Irene’s name to that animal Charity of Youngstown 4140 Market St. , Boardman, OH 44512.