Irene A. Kane

Irene Anne Kane, 82, of Carlisle, PA died peacefully, surrounded by her husband and children, on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Cumberland Crossings Retirement Community in Carlisle, PA. Irene’s life was filled with kindness of heart, generosity of spirit, and unconditional love from which all else flowed.
Born September 14, 1930 in Northampton, PA she was a daughter of the late Frank and Anna Grabarits. Irene was a loving wife and mother who dedicated her life to her family. Married 61 years, she met her husband Jim at Brooklyn College. She and Jim soon settled in Rochester, NY and, blessed with 10 children, established a loving home that became the center of countless family gatherings and celebrations. Irene was a devoted mother, fantastic cook and accomplished seamstress. She was active in her church and community, while nurturing a home environment where anyone was welcome for visits and extended stays alike. As the children grew older, Irene returned to college at the University of Rochester and earned a degree in Sociology, graduating as Valedictorian of her class. Following graduation, she was a Social Worker in Malone, NY. Later, she and her husband Jim volunteered to provide social services in Worcester, MA, continuing to help community members in need.
With Jim, Irene was known for celebrating milestones and anniversaries with large gatherings of family, friends, and neighbors. One of the lasting tributes to Irene is the annual Thanksgiving celebration where family members from near and far gather at the Kane home for a holiday weekend of fun and feast. The family has celebrated Thanksgiving this way for decades and it continues to this day as a treasured family tradition.
Irene is survived by her husband Jim Kane of Carlisle, PA; two daughters Kathryn Uhlman (and husband, Richard) of Kingwood, TX, and Jean Yannello (and husband, Ray) of Poquoson, VA, seven sons; Paul Kane of Victor, NY, Bob Kane (and wife Patty) of Rockville, MD; Matthew Kane (and wife Ann Markes) of Florence, MA; Timothy Kane of Washington, D.C.; William Kane (and wife Minneh) of Arlington, VA; John Kane (and wife Dawn) of West Monroe, NY; Tom Kane (and wife Terri) of Malone, NY; 25 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; sister Anna Grabarits, brother Frank Grabarits, and brother-in-law Bill Kane.
She is predeceased by a son, James Kane, Jr., a grandson, Thomas Kane, and brother-in-law Brother Declan Kane.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at St. Patrick Catholic Shrine Church, 140 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle, with Rev. Dwight D. Schlaline as celebrant. A viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Our Lady of Hungary Cemetery Main and Second Streets, Northampton, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Alzheimer’s Association,
3544 North Progress Ave, Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17110
To sign the guest book visit www.hoffmanroth.com.