Obituary of Irene Marie Pluskey

Irene Marie Pluskey, 93, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Wesley Village in Jenkins Township. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late James Vincenzo and Elizabeth Flora Berrini. Irene was a proud member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and a seamstress for over 40 years. At the age of 66, she started a second career as a cafeteria worker at G.A.R. Memorial High School, working there for an additional 20 years. Irene was a devout Catholic and life-long member of St. Mary’s Church of the Maternity, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. She was an amazing cook, a talent that she inherited from her mother. Irene was the perfect combination of a sweet but strong and youthful woman and an inspiration to everyone’s life that she touched. She would often give family and friends a surprise gift of an amazing meal or goodies delivered to your home unexpectantly. These were the most welcome and best gifts for busy family and friends. She enjoyed many summers in Florida with her daughter, Linda, and looked forward to that yearly. Irene will be fondly remembered and missed by her children, grandchildren, great granddaughter and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Pluskey in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Vince, Dominic, Joe and Ben Berrini and by her sisters, Arcile Rollo, Edith Curcio, Regina Alesczyk and Joan Sura. Irene is survived by her children, Joseph J. Pluskey and his wife, Lois, Plains and by Linda West and her husband, L.T., Sebring, FL; grandchildren, Lauren Pluskey McLain and her husband, Scott and Jason Pluskey and his fiance`, Veronica Lopez; great granddaughter, Mia E. McLain; and by numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Irene’s life will begin with a visitation from 9 – 10:30 am on Wednesday in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. Parking is available in the church’s parking lots on S. Hancock Street. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Wesley Village, assisted living, personal care and skilled nursing for the excellent care provided to Irene the past several years. We would also like to thank the entire staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, who had provided fantastic care over the last several months. Condolences may be sent by visiting Irene’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.