Obituary of Irene Illingworth

Irene Illingworth, age 96, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

Irene Illingworth was born to the late Henry Snyder Illingworth and Mary Lutz Illingworth in Ferguson Township Pa. Irene had three siblings who predeceased her: Henry Snyder Illingworth Jr., Ellie Mary Illingworth and Doris Celia Wiberg. She is survived by one brother, Lynn Lutz Illingworth. Irene has 10 nephews and nieces; Roger Illingworth, Marian Illingworth and Cindy Bostwick-Sylvester of Arizona, Lori Bond of California, Beth Illingworth of New York, Brian Illingworth of Maine, Dawn Taillon of New Hampshire, Thomas Wiberg of Florida, and Todd Illingworth and Brice Illingworth of Pennsylvania.

Irene attended the Ferguson Township School where her father was the principal. She graduated from State College High School and then received her B.S. and Masters of Education from Penn State University. Irene did her post graduate work at the National College of Education in Illinois and Columbia University in New York.

Irene first taught in Tyrone and Altoona, Pa before accepting a position as the Asst. Professor of Education at Shippensburg University where she taught for 22 years. During her time at Shippensburg, she also did a sabbatical at U.C.L.A. Upon retiring from her career in education, Irene worked at the Penn State Library until she retired in 1987.

Irene loved to travel with her friends and has been to Europe, Asia, Australia, Central America, the Middle East and all around the United States. She spent summers entertaining her nephew and nieces at the family farm and also took them on many trips.

Irene was a long-time member at St Peter's United Church of Christ in State College.

A memorial service will be held St Peter's Church on Friday, May 27 at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Peter's United Church of Christ, 1795 W College Avenue, State College, PA 16801.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com