Irene Kelechawa Swirdovich

COLUMBIA Irene “Renee” Swirdovich, 88, formerly of Mayfield, Pa., died on April 4, 2016, at the home of her daughter, Martha and husband, Very Rev. Peter Telencio, COL (R) U.S. Army. She was the widow of Walter D. Swirdovich who died on September 13, 1972. Born in Mayfield, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Martha Guzey Kelechawa. Renee graduated from Mayfield High School in 1945 with honors and then graduated from Lackawanna College. She worked at the Murray Corporation, M&H Dress and retired from NEIU in 1988. She was a member of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, Jermyn, Pa., where she participated in many fund raising events as well as the “100 Club” for over 25 years. She was also a member of St. Tikhon’s Century Club. While living in Columbia, S.C., she attended Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Irene was the primary caregiver of her disabled Aunt Bess Guzey for over 50 years. Renee especially loved vacationing with the family over the years on Hilton Head Island. She is survived by her daughter, Martha and husband, Very Rev. Peter Telencio of Columbia and son, Daniel Swirdovich and wife, Carol of Mayfield; two grandsons, Damian Telencio and wife, Megan, and Stephen Telencio and great-granddaughter, Hayden Anna Telencio, all of Columbia. She is survived by a niece, Deborah Bernosky; nephew, Stephen and wife, Kathy Serniak; several other cousins; great-niece, great-nephew and great-great-niece. She was preceded in death by her sister, Delores Serniak. The family would like to thank the National Home Health Service and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care and moral support given to the family during her illness. The funeral service will be Saturday, April 9, 2016, following Divine Liturgy of the Saturday of Souls at 10:00 am in St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, Jermyn, Pa., with the Very Rev. John Kowalchik officiating. Viewing in the church will be Friday, April 8, 2016, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with parastas at 6:00 pm. Interment will be in St. Tikhon’s Cemetery, South Canaan, Pa. Arrangements by Keith Russin, Funeral Director, Russin Funeral Home, Plains, Pa.