Irene Julia Alkins, (nee Rzasa), 89 passed away peacefully in her home of 67 years surrounded by family and friends on August 17, 2023. To know her was to love her.  Irene had the ability to light up the room with her contagious smile and unbelievable humor and quick wit. Irene was the loving wife of 48 years to the late Lester "Bud" Alkins. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Irene enjoyed trips to the casino, scratch-off tickets and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Irene loved her community and was the neighbor who welcomed you in with a basket, made individual goody bags every Halloween to hand out to all the neighborhood kids and made her famous Candy Christmas or Halloween wreaths to give out to those around her. She loved her animals and could not turn away one in need, caring for as many as she could throughout the years. Irene was given the nickname of "Mom-Mom Pepper" by her great-grand child, Lyla because of her dog, Pepper who she rescued and gave a good life.

Irene was a 1951 graduate of Chester High School.  After high school, she worked for the Colorado Fuel and Iron in Claymont as an executive secretary.  She loved her job but selflessly left it to raise her family.  Irene's devoted her life to her family.  She was a Den Mother for her son's boy scouts troop and a Brownie/Girl Scout Leader for her daughter's troop. She was very active in the PTA.  Irene participated and organized events at Woodlyn Elementary School. Alongside her adoring husband, who served as the coach, Irene was the official scorekeeper for her daughters' softball team.

Irene has lived in Derwood Park, Woodlyn, for 67 years – ever since she was married and liked to tell everyone that Bud carried her over the threshold.  She was a member of the Derwood Park Civic Association and was active as a Block Captain.  She enjoyed participating in Civic Association activities such as when the Easter Bunny and Santa would visit, community carnivals, July 4th and Halloween parades and block parties.  She opened her home to the neighborhood kids who would meet monthly to make crafts. Irene particularly loved Halloween and had to make special bags of candy and treats for the neighborhood kids and would make her special seasonal candy wreaths.

She had various odd jobs over the years and was a jack of all trades. She would do the School Census literally going door to door for the Ridley School District, a job which she enjoyed because she got to talk to everyone. She was also a cowgirl – waitress at the Long Horn Ranch.  She loved doing homework with the kids and would have been an amazing schoolteacher.

Irene was a talented seamstress. She made all the kids' Halloween costumes and the kids frequently won prizes! She loved crafting and making things thinking she could start a business but, in the end, always ended up giving away her goods.

She has been a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 301 East 9th Street, Chester, PA 19013 since 1956 where she married Bud.  She was very active with the church teaching Sunday School and organizing bazars and other events.  Irene assisted the Altar Guild by making and decorating vases so flowers could be delivered to shut-ins or the sick.

Irene is predeceased by her husband Lester "Bud" Alkins, her parents, George and Julia (Wdowik) Rzasa and her fifteen siblings, Katherine (John Ulle and Andrew Kemetz); Chester "Buck" (Caroline); John; Walter "Whitey" (Mary); Joseph "Chick"; Leon (Betty); Henry (Eleanor); Theodore "Teddy" (Jenny); Jane (Frannie Wiechecki); William "Bobo" (Teresa "Terry"); Frances "Frinkie" (Edward Ridgik); her best friend and younger brother, Edward (Lynda) and Steven, Stanley and Frank (who died as infants) and many nieces and nephews.

Irene is survived by her children Nancy L. Alkins, Anne Marie Kelly (Daniel), her daughter-in-law Heidi and her son Lester F. Alkins, Jr.; grandchildren Katelyn, Alena, Becca, Travis, Krystal, Nicolle, Danyelle (Michael), Alysha and Emily; great-grandchildren Lyla, Mikayla, Morgan, Maggie, Michael and Anthony. She is also survived by her dog, Pepper and many cats who miss her already.

Visitation: White-Lutrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Avenue. Ridley Park, PA 19078 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 and Wednesday August 23, 2023 from 10:30 am – 11:15 am. Services to follow at Christ Church Ridley Park, 104 Nevin Street, Ridley Park, PA 19078.  Interment: Lawncroft Cemetery, 1000 W. Ridge Road, Linwood, PA 19061.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory can be sent to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Air Conditioning Fund, 301 East 9th Street, Chester, PA 19013 or the Providence Animal Shelter, 555 Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063