Obituary of Irene G. (Mackenna) Shiffer

Irene Georgia Rich (Mackenna), Shiffer, 99, of Lewiston, New York, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on November 2, 2017 at Elderwood at Grand Island.

Irene was born in Somerville, Massachusetts to Matilda O’Neil Rich and Arthur Rich on February 7, 1918. She graduated from Lockport High School in 1937. She worked at Harrison Radiator after graduation and Tops Markets in the early 60s, then Carborundum Company until her retirement in 1975. Irene was an avid bowler participating in senior leagues until just two years ago. She was also an active member of local choirs for several years and a communicant of St. Peter RC Church in Lewiston.

Irene is survived by her sons; Joseph Mackenna (Kathleen) of Darien CT, John Mackenna (Sue) of Grand Island, NY and James Mackenna (Deborah) of Florence, SC and her daughter Gwendolyn Beno (Charles) of Utica, NY; a step-son David Shiffer of Panama City, FL; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Irene is preceded in death by husbands, Joseph J. Mackenna in 1968 and Neville Shiffer in 1992; her brothers Arthur, Robert and Edward Rich and sisters Lenore and Grace Malloy of Newfane, NY; and a step-daughter Paula Shiffer Walker of Lewiston, NY.

Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Tuesday, November 7, from 5 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 8, at 9:30 am St. Peter RC Church, 600 Center St, Lewiston with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. Burial and committal service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 763 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St Peter RC Church, 620 Center St., Lewiston, NY 14092. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Elderwood at Grand Island for the care and compassion they gave in Irene’s final days.