Birth date: Jul 3, 1916 Death date: Apr 3, 2023
Irene Groves, age 106, of West Mifflin passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023. Irene is survived by her beloved daughters, Darlene (Nicholas) Musso, Carolyn (the late Gordon) Kershaw, and Renee (the late George) Benson. Adored gran Read Obituary
I have a vivid memory around age seven of staying with Grandma. I remember opening the heavy door of her Cadillac, climbing in, and driving to Squirrel Hill to a children’s clothing shop. Grandma felt it was important that I had a fur coat, so bought one for me. Controversial now, at the time it seemed like the height of luxury! I loved how special I felt wearing that coat. Grandma had a knack for being fabulous! Photo attached from when grandma attended my wedding in 2004.
I had the pleasure of knowing Renee in the last few years of her life. She was one of the most positive kind and caring people that I’ve ever met. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Renee you deserve it after such a wonderful life. We love you. Patty Van Dillen.
My condolences to this amazing family, who were fortunate to have the most amazing awesome mother possible. I met Irene when I was in school with Caroline at WVU. Irene welcomed me into her home with a jumping up and down rib Crushing hug. That love was given freely and warmly up until the last day that I was fortunate enough to be with her. Irene took me to my first play at Hines Hall, we went to dinner theaters and stole some shot glasses. Weekends in her home and at her cabin in Maryland- those were-filled with every day moments with bright shining love. She bought me my first bottle of Estee perfume. She showered everyone with the glitter of joy. Irene had a wonderful sense of humor and loved all parts of life. I remember that she was the first female that was in ducted into a businessman’s club there in Pittsburgh. Although I haven’t seen her in many years, this lady has always been in my heart. And has always been present in my memory. She is an unsung hero because she was an ordinary person leading an extraordinary life. The world is truly poorer without her. I love you Irene ; my heart will be lonely.
My favorite story about my mom is the following. Her favorite dress shop was in Shadyside. But parking was always a problem. There was a parking lot behind the shop, and cars would queue up to take a place as soon as one was open. One afternoon, mom waited patiently for a spot to open up. Finally one did open up, but, as she was ready to pull in, a car pulled around her and took the slot. Mom, who was in her Cadillac and wearing her white mink coat, got out of her car and started writing down the license plate of the car that had pulled into her spot. The culprit got out of her car and asked mom what she was doing. Mom’s response was that her husband was in the mafia. At that, the woman quickly got back into her car left. Mom got the parking spot.
