Irene C. Wanamaker

Irene C. Collopy Wanamaker, age 95, departed this life on December 27th, surrounded by her family at her home. She was the widow of John N. Wanamaker, who passed away in 1996, after 34 years of marriage.

Born in The Bronx on February 19th, 1926, she was the daughter of William and Katherine (Fitzpatrick) Collopy. She was graduated from Fordham University in 1962, with a BS in Business Administration. She worked for many years at the NY Telephone company and rose to a supervisory position. She married John Wanamaker in June, 1962, and dedicated much of her life to raising her four children. She was very active in the Suffern community.

Irene was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Montebello Ladies’ Guild, and the Suffern Women’s Club. She also served as a CCD teacher at Sacred Heart and volunteered for 45 years in the pastoral care office at Good Samaritan Hospital. Irene and John were the founders of the Sacred Heart Blood Drives. She truly enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Catherine and Nicholas Donnangelo, John and Barbara Wanamaker, Philip and Christine Wanamaker, and Irene and Robert Pepitone. She leaves behind six grandchildren, Jack and Julia Wanamaker, Ciara and Caleb Donnangelo, and Mia and Madelyn Pepitone. She also leaves her goddaughter, Sister Katherine Valentine, and several nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves many beloved friends. She will be remembered with love for her generosity, selflessness, sense of humor and zest for life!

Visitation will be held at Wanamaker and Carlough Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan 2nd from 2 pm to 5 pm. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern on Monday at 12 pm.