Obituary of Irene Martha Bedford

Irene M. Bedford, 90, of Hunlock Creek, passed away on April 13 at Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing in Wilkes-Barre. Born in Wilkes-Barre on April 10, 1933, Irene was the daughter of the late Martha and Anthony Kosakowski. She was a graduate of Lake-Lehman High School, class of 1951. She married her husband, the late William Bedford, following her graduation. Irene was a homemaker, raising her five children in the Burlington-Bristol Bridge area until she returned to Hunlock Creek in 1973. At that time, she and her husband owned and operated Irene's at Lake Silkworth for nearly 20 years. Irene was famous in the community for her catering, especially her "Renie-burger" coined by regulars. In addition to cooking meals for friends and family, Irene enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, making floral arrangements, and sewing. Her home was always alive with activity, hosting family gatherings year round. Family meant everything to Irene, and she loved nothing more than having her children and grandchildren at her table. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Anthony and Edward Kosakowski and her beloved dog, Furbee. Surviving are her sister Delores Kovaleski (Swoyersville); and children and spouses, William Jay Bedford and wife, Sherry (Leesburg, Fla.); Dennis Bedford and wife, Kathy (Tunkhannock); Sheree Grey and husband, Robert (Hunlock Creek); Douglas Bedford and wife, Deborah (Pikes Creek); and Thomas Bedford and wife, Lori (Hunlock Creek). A memorial mass will be held at Irene's life-long church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Lake Silkworth. A private interment will be held in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Lake Silkworth. The family wishes to thank the staff at Allied Medical Meade Street for their professional and compassionate care that they provided for Irene in her final weeks. They went above and beyond to ensure that her comfort was always a priority. Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Memorial donations can be made to Allied Services Foundation, 100 Abbington Executive Park, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com