Irene M. (Smith) Nosco

Mass of Christian Burial for Irene M. Nosco (nee Smith), age 91, of Wickliffe, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2020 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 29850 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe (Masks Required). Private burial will be held in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp.

Irene passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 at her home and was born on January 21, 1929 to Michael and Irene (nee Kraft) Smith (who bore 13 living children and 4 still births, passing away at the age of 35) in Watertown, NY. Michael Smith in Watertown, New York. Their immigrant family initially lived in a barn but eventually moved into an old farmhouse. However, due to circumstances the children were adopted out after the passing of their mother.

Irene was popular in HS and she was a cheerleader, majorette and library aide, being named a siren. After high school Irene went to New York City to be an actress and model, eventually deciding on a career that was more reliable for income and attended The Rochester Institute of Technology for Dental Hygiene training where she met her future husband who was in the Engineering program. The new couple lived in New York, Michigan and various towns in Ohio, settling in Wickliffe, OH in 1953, where they would remain except for a two year stay in Atlanta, GA.

Irene was always involved and concerned with her children’s lives and at the same time worked until she was 79 years old full time and then part time until she was 89. She maintained her own home independently until she broke her hip at 91 shoveling snow.

She worked as a receptionist and dental hygienist, enjoyed her patients and in turn, they loved her.

Irene was a force to be reckoned with. She once left work and by herself bought a home on her lunch hour, a home she maintained until she turned 91 and broke her hip shoveling snow.

She is survived by three sons, Eugene Nosco (Mary Lou), Dennis Nosco (Julie) and Tim Nosco (Sandy); brother, Robert Smith; sister, Helen Walsh; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren; her longtime friends and companions Martin Prcela and Lynda Godec.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Nosco; three sisters, Veronica Blizzard, Olga Hann and Elizabeth Horning; and three brothers Michael Smith, Edward Smith and George Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.

Arrangements by Orlando-Donsante-Previte Funeral Home of Wickliffe (440) 943-2466.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.orlandodonsanteprevitefh.com.

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