Irene Bordas

Irene Olga (Budal) Bordas, of Ben Avon, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the age of 96 with family at her side. She was preceded in death by John, her loving husband of 61 years, her parents John and Anna (Hornack) Budul, and her siblings John (Louise) Budal and Margaret (Frank) Schulter. As one might expect of somebody who reached that ripe age, Irene lived a full life.  Born November 30, 1926 – there actually was a dispute as to whether the date was the 29 th or 30 th so, naturally, blame the midwife – Irene grew up in the “Bottoms” section of McKees Rocks. In March 1936, she and her family were rescued from the second floor of their home during Pittsburgh’s Great St. Patrick’s Day Flood. As a teenager, she inherited a soda jerk job through her brother and sister at Gergach Drug Store. She graduated from Miles Bryant High School in 1943 and immediately began work as a typist with the Chemical Warfare Division of the U. S. Government during World War II. Through this and other positions, she developed exemplary typing and stenographic skills which led to a position as an executive secretary/ “girl Friday” at Consolidated Coal Company (Consol Energy) that she enjoyed for years.

Irene married John Bordas on June 17, 1950, at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong member. They took up residence on Woodward Avenue in Stowe Township. Between 1956 and 1969, Irene and John had seven children: Karen (Frank) Grzywinski; Janet (Ron) Fabin; John M. Bordas (Sherry Campbell); Robert (Cindy) Bordas; Eileen (Mark) Strelick; Carol (Jim) Loutzenhiser; and Michael Bordas. In 1957, Irene and John went into business with John’s brother Mike, opening a tavern they called the Happy Hour in Moon Township. For 20 years, the tavern had a “Cheers-like” atmosphere with a group of regular, loyal customers and its own softball team.    

Irene never heard a word she couldn’t spell and enjoyed the challenge of a crossword puzzle. And when it came to stories, she had a million of them. She would often regale her grandchildren, Brian Strelick (Loucinda Davis), Matthew Grzywinski (Teresa Horan), Lauren Fabin, Emily Bordas, Luke Bordas, Adam Fabin, Marissa Bordas, Elise Loutzenhiser, and Evan Loutzenhiser with her memorable and hilarious tales. Her children and grandchildren will miss her and her wonderful story telling dearly. Irene was blessed by the love of her children and grandchildren. Her legacy will live on through them.

Relatives and friends received Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, 334 Forest Grove Road, Coraopolis (Kennedy Township) PA 15108.  Parastas Service Sunday 7:30 PM.  Paschal Funeral Divine Liturgy Monday 10 AM in Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, 225 Olivia Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.

The family suggests contributions to The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, 66 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214 designated for the “Radio Apostolate.”