Obituaries
Irene Marie (Korol) Steckler, 81
June 24, 2024
Irene Marie (Korol) Steckler, 81, of Moravian Manor in Lititz, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on June 24, 2024. Born in Przemysl, Poland, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Miroslaw and Olga (Kryzowska) Korol. She was married for over 61 years to her beloved husband, Kenneth D. Steckler.
Irene was a 1962 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. Upon graduation, she received her Bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) from Millersville State College in 1975 and later received her Master’s degree in 1977 and PhD in Russian Language and Literature in 1982 from Bryn Mawr College. She worked as the Special Assistant (for Russian Programs) to the Librarian of Congress in Washington, DC for 17 years until her retirement. Irene was extremely passionate about education and her Ukrainian roots, always pushing to learn more and inspire others to do the same. In high school, she was the head majorette and held the position of treasurer of the Student Council. Irene was a life-long Catholic, loved cooking, enjoyed dancing, studying art, and traveling and taking trips to Europe.
In addition to her husband Kenneth, Irene is survived by her son, David Steckler (Wendy), 5 grandchildren: Christian Steckler (Katy), Anderson Steckler, Kieran, Emelia, and Constance Mulligan; 2 great-grandchildren: Felicity and Melody Steckler; 3 siblings: Emil Korol (Peggy), George Korol (Tina), and Mary Gaul; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her grandson, Cameron Steckler, and sister, Olga Korol.
A private service at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Irene’s memory to Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, 1 Thomas Circle NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005.
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Condolences to the Family
August 11, 2024
Irene was my mother in law from my marriage to her son, David. We were parents to her grandsons, Christian, Cameron (passed 4/2020), and Anderson. As a grandmother, Irene and Ken were incredible grandparents never missing an event. Irene provided special literature for the boys and engaged with them always. She was especially helpful to Cameron, helping him over the tough times he endured and supporting him to write, which he did. Irene was instrumental in the success of the education of all of her grandchildren. I’m sad to get this news just today, but I feel fortunate enough to have known Irene and have her as a grandmother to the boys. Rest in heavenly peace Irene.
Donna Baxter
August 05, 2024
My heart hurts. She was a lovely person.
Maria Schwec Korol Neff
August 05, 2024
Holding the family in peace and love as we process our emotuons and celebrate the life of a dynamic, brilliant woman. Much love and gratitude to Irene as she guides her family from above. 🩷 Trisha Schmalhofer
August 05, 2024
Dear Irene, thank you for your presence, kindness and love being with us through your time on Earth.
You left your mark in our hearts and you are alive in our hearts now.Thank you.
The whole our family offer condolences for Ken, David, Mary and all grandchildren and friends.
Krzysztof , Magdalena and Julia
August 05, 2024
With deep grief and sorrow we bid you farewell our beloved cousin, aunt and great friend as you left for God a little too early. You will always remain in our hearts and memories as someone very warm, cordial, wise and friendly. God be with you, Irciu, Duklas family from Poland. The whole our family offer condolences for Ken, David, Mary and all grandchildren and friends.
Duklas Bogdan
July 09, 2024
Very sad to hear Irene is no longer in this world. I loved her as a noble and caring person, a true lady, a beautiful woman, an accomplished professional, and a great friend. Will miss and remember her. Irene was an example for me in many aspects of life. RIP. Ksenia
July 07, 2024
Dear Ken,
We are so sad to learn of Irene’s death, but we continue to fondly remember the fun times we shared together here at Moravian Manor.
Love, Bonnee and Gary
July 07, 2024
Dear Ken,
I was so sorry to read about Irene. I really didn’t know her personally, but we were good friends on FB. Prayers for you and your family. What a great loss. Fran Lombardo Spangler
July 07, 2024
Dear Ken, David and Family,
My father, Roman Korol was Irene’s cousin from Montreal. They mutually shared a profound love of Ukraine and their recent reconnection centered frequently around the worry surrounding the more recent war, the effects of the one during their childhoods, historical political events that led to a dispersement of the Korol family, and family genealogy. He died this past February and during that time, I was very lucky to have received her kind text messages as they gave me much comfort and solace. I hadn’t known her prior, but her sincere kindness and deep sense of her love for family was evident in every of the texts she sent me.
I can only begin to imagine the vast largeness of her absence in your lives, and so very sure there are countless endearing memories of her to share. She seemed to be a very engaging and interesting woman, even to an unknown like me, knowing now that Irene accomplished so much in both her personal life and her carreer. I feel blessed to have known her only in the slightest for the very short period of time I had with her.
Please accept sincerest condolences from myself, my sister Natalie Korol Simmons, and my mother Michelle on the passing of your beloved Irene who is now watching on you from heaven. We hold you all in our hearts and in our prayers during this difficult time. May all your cherished memories of her give you comfort and strength as you mourn her beautiful life with you.
Nadia
July 06, 2024
A wonderful classmate who will be missed, prayers to her family. Peggy (Weaver) Keebler
July 06, 2024
Love you, Sister Irene, long live Ukraine! Emil & Peggy
July 03, 2024
Wonderful kind classmate. Prayers for her family and friends. Thanks for the leadership you shared with our class.
Thomas Mayer
