Irene Rose Metzar DePersis

Irene Rose Metzar DePersis, 98, of Endwell, the last of eight children born to John and Anna (nee Spisak) Metzar, Sr. was summoned by her Lord on February 25, 2024. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, Edward. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Susanna Ward, Mary Smilnak and Anna Bennett; her brothers George Metzar, John Metzar, Jr. and William Metzar; nephews Wallace Ward, Michael W. Smilnak, Edward Metzar, Mark Metzar, William P. Metzar and John Bennett. Married in their later years, Irene and Ed never had children but were surrounded by a large extended family with many nieces and nephews and their spouses, which she kept in line with her stern stare; Carrie (Rudy) D'Agostino, James Metzar, Jean (Deb) Metzar, Roland (Anne) Smilnak and Mary Ann Smilnak, Tom Metzar (Jerry Halbert), Dr. Tim Smilnak and many more nieces, nephews and  twelve Godchildren. She was also blessed with many wonderful friends from work and church.

Irene grew up in Binghamton's First Ward, the last born in a large immigrant family. She was extremely proud of her Rusyn-Carpathian roots and insisted on keeping all the "Old country" traditions alive, especially Easter and Christmas. Easter was her favorite day to celebrate at her home, where she shared her basket of blessed food with friends and family year after year.

She and Ed were active in Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, never missing a liturgy and singing in the choir. They cantored the daily liturgy for 13 years. She also spent endless hours helping to bake paska and buchta for the church bake sales. Many people benefited from her sewing skills. Irene and a friend made Lenten altar clothes which are still used. With detailed accuracy, she constructed the St. Nicholas vestments worn at the church's Christmas party.

Always striving to look her best, she was an impeccable dresser. No outfit on Sunday was complete without a hat. Only the Queen of England had more hats. She was a shopaholic and many shopkeepers in Binghamton  became familiar with her lively spirit, as did restauranteurs throughout the area.

Quick witted, Irene was always ready to enjoy a good joke or pull a prank. Her humorous capers will be long remembered. Definitely a force to be reckoned with, she had no hesitation in letting you know exactly what she thought. Whoever met Irene, no matter who they were, never left her presence without learning how to shimmy.

During World War II, Irene  began working as a lab technician at Ansco, where she worked for decades. She went to college in her 50's to earn an associates degree and then worked for NYSEG until her retirement.

Good night Irene.

A Divine Liturgy and Funeral Service will be celebrated 10:00 am Tuesday March 5 at the Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, 360 Clinton St. Binghamton, by her dear friend Fr. John Cigan as principal celebrant, assisted by Fr. Teodor Czabala, Jr. as concelebrant. Burial will follow in Holy Spirit Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 - 9:50 am Tuesday at the church for viewing.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott. 

 The family wishes to extend their thanks to the caring and compassionate staffs at Mercy House and Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home. 

BLESSED REPOSE AND ETERNAL MEMORY! BLAZENNYJ POKOJ AND VICNAJA  JE PAMJAT!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irene Rose Metzar DePersis, please visit our floral store.