Obituary of Patricia S. Irla

ILION – Mrs. Patricia S. Irla, age 80, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, March 22, 2021 in the privacy and comfort of her home. At the time of her passing she had the love and support of her devoted family at her side. Born on October 19, 1940 in Utica, Patricia was the daughter of the late Chester and Doris (Bernard) Szczerbicki. She was raised and educated in Utica until she met and fell in love with Mr. Eugene Irla. The couple was married on February 16, 1957 and spent over thirty-one years in a blessed union until Eugene’s untimely passing in November of 1988. Patricia’s primary role in the home was that of wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved nothing more than caring for her family and their well-being was of the utmost importance to her. She made sure her children never went without and as her family grew, she took pride in the accomplishments of the generations that followed. In her free time, Patricia enjoyed playing games and was especially fond of Bingo and Scrabble. Even at the age of 80, she could also be found spending countless hours playing on her Playstation 2! She was strong-willed and very protective of her family and of course, one of her favorite pastimes was shopping with the one’s she loved most. Patricia was devoted to her Catholic faith and the power of prayer is what helped to sustain her through these last few difficult months. Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Remelinda Irla of Ilion and Richard Irla; her daughters and sons-in-law, Karen Irla of North Carolina, Mary and Chad Ferris of North Carolina and Patricia and Timothy McGrath of Ilion; and her grandchildren, Nicole and Nathaniel Johnson and their children, Haley Rando, Hannah Rando and Jakob Bacon, Cassandra and Jeremiah Ambrose and their children, Noah Kane, Julia Ambrose and Abigail Ambrose, Thomas Lazzaro, Peter Lazzaro, Kimberley Irla, Alex and Tina Irla, Ashley Watson and her children, Kyle Tilbe and Charlotte Tilbe, Emily Riano and her son, Jameson Brunette, Brittany Irla, Alyssa Aragosa and Caitlin Irla. She also leaves her sisters, Olga Smith, Regina Serbicki and Doreen Barnett; along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and beloved daughter, Laurie Irla. Due to current health restrictions, Patricia’s family will gather privately to bid their farewells to her. Her Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion, officiated by the Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Final interment will take place at Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. The family would be remiss without thanking those that tended to Patricia’s needs and care during her later years: -A special thank you is extended to Patricia’s daughter and namesake, Patricia McGrath, for her care and commitment to her mother’s well-being for many years now. -Also, to Patricia’s granddaughter, Nicole, for being her grandmother’s private nurse and tending to her every need throughout her illness; she truly was an angel to Patricia throughout these last few weeks. And finally, an ode of gratitude is extended to the nursing staff of Hospice & Palliative Care for allowing Patricia to spend the last few weeks of life’s journey in the comfort of her home. The Irla family has entrusted the care of their mother and grandmother to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.