Irene Shelley

Irene Shelley, age 75, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Hackensack, New Jersey, while hospitalized.

Born November 14, 1949, in the Bronx, New York, Irene was the beloved daughter of Margaret and John Kelly.  She grew up surrounded by a close-knit family with her siblings John, Jimmy, Pat, and Kathy, and carried those values with her throughout her life.  A proud graduate of Preston High School, Irene maintained a deep connection to her roots.

Following high school, Irene worked alongside her future husband at Con Edison, until their marriage.  Irene then dedicated her life to taking care of her family, and many other families, by providing day care to dozens of children in her home.  She truly opened her heart and home to all, and had special relationships with her many friends, as well as the friends of her children.  She made everyone feel welcome and kept them well fed.

For over five decades, Irene shared a devoted marriage with her husband Joseph.  Together they built a loving home in Stony Point, filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring traditions.  Irene was the proud mother of four children:  Liz (David), Joe (Jess), Kelli-Ann, and Katie.  Her love for them was boundless and unwavering.  She also found immense joy in being a grandmother to Matthew, Joey, Gavin, and Sammy—each of whom brought light to her life.

Irene’s extended family held a special place in her heart.  She is lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, including Cathy (Malcolm), Brian (Kathleen), Micheal (Amy), Jennifer (James), Jill (John), Christine (Mike), Denise (Joe), Doreen, Kenny (Gillian), Vin (Jessica), and Lisa.  In addition, she was a great-aunt to Joseph, Kaylie, Colin, Gavin, Kellan, Xochi, and Alexa.  She was very close to her cousins, including Ronnie (Phil), and their children Lori (Keith) and Joe (Kellyn), Kevin (Tee), Patty Ann, and Tommy, as well as many other cherished family members.

She was predeceased by her parents Margaret and John Kelly; her brothers John and Jimmy (Lori); her sisters Pat (George) and Kathy (Ralph); and her niece Christine (Mike).  Though their absence was deeply felt throughout her life, Irene honored their memory through the love she gave so freely to others.

A woman of quiet strength and deep generosity, Irene valued family above all else.  Whether hosting holiday dinners or simply enjoying time together at home, she found true happiness in the company of those she loved most.  She had a passion for reading and television, but nothing compared to the fulfillment she found by being surrounded by family and friends.  Irene’s legacy is one of loyalty, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 3-7 pm at T.J. McGowan Funeral Home, 71 N. Central Highway, in Garnerville.  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10 am, at Immaculate Conception Church, 26 John Street, in Stony Point.  Irene’s final resting place will be Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 220 Brick Church Road, in Spring Valley, and a graveside service will be held following mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the following medical facilities that provided exceptional care to Irene: 

Hackensack University Medical Center (https://give.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6184&mfc_pref=T&6184.donation=form1&s_src=website&s_subsrc=homepage&matchID=undefined, or Good Samaritan Hospital https://give.wmchealth.org/give/371619/#!/donation/checkout,

or CareOne in Westwood https://www.care-one.com/locations/careone-at-valley/.