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Irene Anne Danko (Renee, Aunt Irene, Mom, and Grandma to those who loved her) will be remembered for her love, graciousness, quiet strength, and spirit of fun. First as big sister, then as wife and mother, she centered herself on home and family. Irene was born March 1, 1927, in Tresckow, Pennsylvania, the first of four children of Joseph and Elizabeth Zelloe. She never forgot the lessons of her upbringing and her traditions-- not least of which in the heritage of her home-cooked meals. She married Richard (Dick) Danko in July of 1949, and for 67 years until his death in June 2016 she lived the role of partner and helpmate. She became Mother to three, Grandmother to eight, Great-grandmother to four, and Godmother to many. Irene was gifted with a clear soprano voice and she carried her love of music her whole life. She was Senior Class Soloist at Hazleton High School at a time when good vocalists were a key feature in contemporary music. She sang in her church choirs through the years, most recently at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Leon Springs. She kept up a steady soundtrack of classical and popular music in the home, filled in with her own spontaneous a capella lines from her favorites. She graduated Hazleton High School in 1945, and later completed training as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was a lifelong learner, always with books—often traded with friends-- at the bedside table. In early years Renee worked in retail after high school first as a salesgirl and quickly being promoted to a merchandise buyer, then again in later years in Victoria at a children’s shop when her own children were grown. After moving to Arizona she joined her brother Bob in his second career as owners of a gift shop in Scottsdale. She never lost her appreciation for quality goods. From her home in Pennsylvania to Texas, to Arizona, and then back to Texas, she made friends easily and kept loyal relationships. She touched lives at her husband’s side through his career with the Devereux Foundation, through her involvement in parents’ groups at the kids’ schools, and through church and civic associations. She was member and chair of committees for the Morning Study Club in Victoria, Texas, and a member of several groups at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Gathering with family for her 50th wedding anniversary, Irene thanked Dick for their 50 years. Then she told of how as a girl growing up she thought maybe she would like to be a professional singer—and she got to sing lullabies to her babies; she thought she might like to become a nurse—and she got to care for her children when they were sick; she thought she might want to become a teacher—and she helped teach her children to read. And she said she could never have been more blessed. She is survived by one sister, one brother, three children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please send donations to a charity of your choice in her name.

Tributes

Irene Anne Danko

March 1, 1927 - January 15, 2017