Elinor Irvin
September 26, 1924 - March 09, 2019
Visitation: Monday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home, North Hills
Service: Tuesday 11 a.m. at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH
Elinor W. (Westhead) Irvin, known as “Ellie” by family and friends, of Ross Twp., died on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Wife of the late Daniel W. Irvin; loving mother of Barbara Irvin, Kathryn Seeds (David) and Daniel W. Irvin (Renee); sister of the late Jack and David Westhead; proud grandmother of Sarah Seeds (Josh Thorne) and Matthew Seeds.
Ellie was at the top of her class at Bellevue High School, where she met her future husband, Dan. They both played in the high school band. She excelled in all academic studies and focused her efforts on clerical and secretarial studies. Ellie was a WW II war bride who later supported Dan as he earned his degree at California State Teachers College through the GI bill. They made many lifelong friends during those years.
As her children grew, Ellie became very active in their educationand was the President of the PTA in both Hoffman Estates, Illinois and Perrysville Elementary School. She later enjoyed two distinct and rewarding careers as a Secretary for the North Hills School District and a Leasing Agent for Chateau Perry Apartments; where she lived from 1991-2015 after Dan’s passing. As a school secretary, Ellie was very active in the secretaries’ union where she helped fight for (and win) fair wages.
Ellie was the ultimate problem-solver for family and friends alike. Throughout her life, Ellie’s children relied on her unconditional love, advice and support; as well as her exceptional editing skills for their school reports! In fact, she was instrumental in helping Dan complete his book “Power Tool Maintenance” in 1971. Her dedication to excellence was profound. Ellie and Dan were very active at St. John’s Lutheran Church; singing in the choir and holding numerous organizational assignments. They also enjoyed many great friends from their North Hills Estates neighborhood where they lived from 1964-1991 and coordinated several block parties. Nearly every New Year’s Eve for well over 20 years, they gathered to celebrate with close friends Tom and Nancy Davies. Today we imagine them getting together to reminisce over old times. Ellie’s legacy lives on through her three children and their families. She was a loving grandparent, who regularly traveled to both Maryland and Virginia to spend time with Sarah and Matthew throughout their childhoods. Ellie was an incredible role modeland always went the extra mile for anyone who needed her support. She will always be remembered for her spunk and wit;especially by friends and caregivers at Vincentian Home/Memory Lane where she lived since August 2015. Their amazing contribution to providing a high quality of life for Ellie cannot be overstated. The family is in their eternal debt. Ellie was the ultimate friend, mentor and go-to person for sound advice and real world insight. Through personal success, strength and commitment, she dedicated her life to helping others thrive and succeed. The ongoing positive impact experienced by family and friends is profound and everlasting. She will be sorely missed by those knew and loved her.
Friends received Monday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., 806 Perry Hwy, North Hills. Services in St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tuesday 11 a.m., EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Vincentian Home/Memory Lane or the Alzheimer’s AssociationGreater PA Chapter.
Dan..so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother.
I have so many memories of her and your father.
My prayers go out to you and your family
Stacey Zierenberg
My sincere condolences to Barb Irvin upon the death of your mom. May you find strength in the Lord to carry you through.
I’ve never met Ellie, but feel like I’ve known her because of all the stories I’ve heard from Barb. I do know that Barb, her brother, sister and their families loved her very much and will miss her. After having read her obituary, it sounds like she was a wonderful person who will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
When I first moved to Pittsburgh and moved into Chateau Perry, joining my husband Tony already living there, Ellie was the first person in the leasing office whom I met. She was remarkable! Funny, kind and wise, and willing to help anyone who needed her.
She later became my colleague as a leasing agent, then my lead agent when I became property manager. We all depended on her, which I know she was proud of and enjoyed. She was well liked by both our residents and employees, and made friends of nearly every new person she met.
Her gentle nature, wide-ranging life experience and firm, but polite, guidance was a constant source of inspiration. Her energy level and dedication to her work made even the most boring tasks seem easier. But, it was her love of and devotion to her family which was most amazing. She was love in action, as I used to always say. She talked often of her children and grandchildren, and was very proud of them and their accomplishments.
Rest In Peace, Ellie. You will be missed.
Tracey, Tony and Alex
I was saddened to learn of the passing of dear Elinor. She was my secretary in the L-Z office of NHJHS for most of the10 happy years I spent there. Everyone so loved her for her perpetual pleasant disposition. She interacted cordially with all those with whom she interacted . Students and teachers were always treated kindly by Elinor. She was so diplomatic in the face of any challenges. In a word, she was a complete professional. I am sorry that I am unable to offer my condolences in person since I have difficulty walking these days. With sincere affection for a lovely woman…Irene
I am a friend of Barb’s. Sorry for your loss! It’s never easy to lose a parent! It seems as if she lived a good long life!
Dear Hon, Kathy and Danny
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss of dear Ellie. Every memory I have of being with your parents and you is happy. May Ellie’s memory be for a blessing.
Bard, Kathy, Dan…I am very grateful that you contacted me about your Mom. She has been on my mind ever since. She and your Dad certainly were the BEST neighbors I ever had. What wonderful people. Harden Drive was such fun with them…block parties, luminaries at Christmas and so much fun in between. I am only sorry that I didn’t live closer to visit at Vincentian. May you all cherish the memories of your wonderful parents!! Love, JoAnn
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a wonderful, caring and inspirational woman!
Lisa and John Westhead send our thoughts, prayers, and love to Aunt Elinor and the family Kathy, Barb, & Danny! Aunt Elinor, Uncle Dan, Dave, & Jack are all together once again, this time in Heaven!
Our deepest sympathy & love to family, friends and caregivers. Will miss you beautiful Ellie.
The Seeds Family,
Our deepest condolences in your loss of Ellie. Sending our love, thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Scott and Larry
Barb and family — So sorry for your loss. What an amazing woman and a wonderful life and legacy!
My deepest sympathies to you and your family