Obituary of Irene Smith

Irene Virginia (Hall) Kooser Smith, 97, of Mt.Pleasant, went back to heaven on August 20, 2022. Born September 24, 1924, in Smock, PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Audrey (Summers) Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret (Ellen) Bisher, and a brother, Delbert (Deb) Hall. Irene was also precede in death by her childrens’ father, John Balmer Kooser, Sr. in 1980; her son, Kenneth Kooser, in 1967 while fighting in Vietnam; a daughter, Elaine J. Laws in 2020; a granddaughter, Katy Kooser at birth; a granddaughter Lesley Laws; a grandson David Laws; and by a great-granddaughter Siva Steward. Irene resided with her daughter Rhona and friend Deborah Pratt since her second husband Frank Smith passed away in December 2011. Irene was a gold star mother.She survived by her children, John B. Kooser, Jr. (Linda) of Dunbar, Rhona M. McArdle of Norvelt Area, Pamela Soisson (Gary) of Uniontown, and David W. Kooser (Cindy) of Bullskin Twp. Irene also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Irene had a great love and tallent of music in her guitar playing and singing and began that love with her brother and sister as a child preforming in various venues for contests as well as fun. After moving to Norvelt she joined Trinity United Church of Christ in Greensburg. Family and friends will be received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 23, 2022, in the Jay A. Hoffer Funeral Home, Norvelt, where Irene's funeral service will take place Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Shirley Musick officiating.Interment will follow in Green Ridge Cemetery, Connellsville, PA.The family wishes to send a special thank you to all the caregivers from Excela Hospice especially nurse Christy and aide Jackie.In lieu of flowers please make contributions to a veteran’s group of your choice, such as Wounded Warrior Project or Fayette Vietnam Veterans. To send condolences, please visit www.HofferFuneralHome.com.