Irene B. Batchen's Obituary
Irene B. Batchen, of West Mifflin, passed away at the age of 100 on January 26, 2026.
Irene, or Bubba as she was better known, had a love for cooking and baking ethnic foods, attending church festivals, and shopping for treasures at garage sales and thrift shops. Ask her where she got her fancy clothes, and she would beam with pride, "Only $3!"
She devoted her life to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she helped raise with unconditional love. Family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
She had a special gift for making friends wherever she went, always joking, laughing, and bringing joy to those around her. She was famous for her dollar-bill rings, small tokens she gave to anyone she met, brightening the days of those lucky enough to receive one.
Irene was a loving mother to Donna M. VanLuik (Robert), a cherished Bubba to Kristen M. Krukowsky (Brian), and Kaitlyn Hucko (Steve), Brian VanLuik (Lyndsey), beloved great grandmother to Sadie, Rylan, Jackson, Callie, Aubrie, Henry, Cora and sister to Emily Horvath and Agnes Povazan.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Hovanec; siblings Stephen P. Hovanec, John T. Hovanec, George Hovanec, Frank Hovanic, Margaret Banish, Charles Hovanec, William Hovanec, and Lawrence Hovanec.
Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 11-12pm on January 29, 2026 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A blessing service will be held at 12pm in the funeral home chapel.
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