Obituary of Irene E. Hornack

Irene E. Hornack, 98, of State College, died Tuesday, August 16, 2016, after a brief illness, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born December 23, 1917, in Ashley, PA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Edna Swartwood Weidow. Irene graduated from the Hanover Township Memorial High School and worked for the Republic Aviation Corporation in Farmingdale, Long Island, NY. This is where she met her future husband, Paul Hornack, whom she married in 1943. After spending many years on Long Island, the family moved to State College to be near their son, Paul Jr. in 1992. She is survived by a daughter, Ruth Ann Hornack of State College, a brother, Kenneth Weidow and his wife, Kay and a sister, Doris Bukowski, both of Baltimore, MD. Irene's husband of 67 years, passed away Sept. 24, 2000. In addition to her parents, several siblings and husband, Irene was also preceded in death by her son, Paul Hornack Jr. Irene was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and she and her daughter volunteered for many years at the St. Vincent's Thrift Shop. Irene gave a wonderful home to several loved pets – the most recent, 'Kitty', was rescued from a cold winter and loved to sit on her lap. A strong, loving mother and friend, Irene had a smile for everyone and always had a positive outlook on life, regardless of the challenges. Her recent move, with her daughter, to Juniper Village, gave her a new set of friends and she loved participating in all of the activities. Visitation will be from 2 until 3:30 p.m., on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 22, 2016 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Father Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will be at Gatesburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 or to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.