Irene B. Papa

Barbara ("Irene") Papa, 89, of St. Albans, went to sleep in the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on April 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM, to be reunited with her husband and little ones who passed before their time.

She was preceded to heaven by her beloved husband, Anthony Papa; her day-old daughter, Debbie, and two others, unnamed; her parents, John and Anna Sanetrik; siblings (in-laws), Anna Sanetrik, John Sanetrik (Lois), Helen S. Perry (Pete), Dorothy S. Murray (Jack), Martha S. Kelly, Geraldine S. Lucas (Charlie), and Thomas Sanetrik (Judy); and in-laws, Louis Pascuzzo and Jerry Raschella.

Born near Morgantown, WV, Irene grew up tending a large farm along with her parents and nine siblings. She learned from them faith and how to care for everything and everyone concerning the family and life in general. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Stewartstown, and graduated from University High in Morgantown. While working near WVU, Irene met and married Anthony, starting a 64-year romance.

Irene was a supportive homemaker, caring mother, and devoted wife. She was quiet, peaceful, and hard to get to know, but for those that watched her closely it was evident she had a precious heart of gold, yet strong character. She loved all living things, whether it be plants, animals, or insects, and never said a bad thing about other people. She loved children -- even in her last years her blue eyes would beam with joy when she knew a baby was nearby, and was concerned about its wellbeing and feeding.

Most of all, she loved being with her family and kids -- they were always foremost in her mind, from the moment each child was born until her last breath here on earth. She always took an interest in whatever they were doing, and always looked for useful and creative ways to lend a helping hand in whatever they were trying to accomplish, making their burdens lighter and the outcome for them far greater than it would have been otherwise. Irene's language was unconditional love, support, and guidance through loving kindness, gentleness, and mercy. 

While Irene especially enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, and preparing food from her vegetable garden to feed her family, she had unparalleled attention to detail in everything she did. She was determined to get things right when others would give up early, and was careful and deliberate in her ways. She always made herself busy, finding things that needed to be done. Rarely complaining about any challenge before her, she patiently dealt with whatever came her way, even when unpleasant. In all of this, Irene was a stellar role model, quietly teaching by example to all who paid attention how to never give up, be loving, and strive for greatness.

Irene is survived by her children, Joe, John, Kathleen, Teresa (G), and Daniel; grandchildren (in-laws), Nicole (G) Malicki (Doug), and Maria Gaudino; great-grandchild, Sabine Malicki; sisters, Carolyn (S) Pascuzzo and Pauline (S) Raschella; brother in-law, Bob Kelly; son in-law, (Teresa) Michael Gaudino; and daughter in-law, (Joe) Chiu Chi Papa.

Special thanks to the Caregivers and Nurses who became very precious loved ones to Irene in her final years and whose friendship she treasured every single day. They made her life happier, healthier, and blessed in many ways. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Albans, with Father Sojan Xavier officiating. The burial will follow at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the funeral home.

The online guest book can be accessed at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com .