Irene B. (Staszel) Kopal, went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2021, passing peacefully into eternal life two weeks before her 94th birthday with loving family at her side.
Left to carry on her legacy are her sons and their wives, Robert and Wendy Kopal, of The Woodlands, TX; David Kopal, of Houston, TX; and Joseph and Lyn Kopal, of Virginia Beach, VA. Three grandchildren and their wives, Ryan and Meredith Kopal; Drew and Lauren Kopal; and Alexandra (Ally) Kopal. Three great-granddaughters, Ava, Olivia, and Everly Kopal. Irene was also eagerly awaiting the birth of her great grandson, Jacob Joseph Kopal. She is also survived by her sister, Marion Jacobina, along with many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents, Andrew and Antoinette (Jennie) Staszel; her sisters, Martha Pintar, Victoria Wake, Antoinette Calafut, and Evelyn Milburn.
Irene will be remembered for her deep Catholic faith and for her generosity. She was actively involved in the pro-life cause, and with the “Knotters” at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, making sleeping bags for the homeless. She enjoyed baking, especially her spice cookies.
Irene’s family would like to thank Donna and Bob Dipenice, Ron and Amy Jacobino and family, Marie and Bob McClellan, Joe and Terri Milburn and family, Michael and Angela Milburn and family, the McDonough family, Rudy and Diane Bernard, Tracy Sovie, and her friends and neighbors for looking after Irene over the years. We would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at Wilson Hospital for making Irene comfortable in her final hours.
A Funeral Mass will be held Monday 11 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 801 Main Street, Vestal. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 am . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of one’s choice. Appropriate precautions are being taken for public health concerns, including masks, social distancing, and managing the number of visitors at one time.