Irene Lillian Fracul passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, with her daughters by her side. Born on May 24,1934, she graduated from Shenango High School in 1952. In 1954, Irene eloped to Waukegan, Illinois, to marry her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Donald Joseph Fracul. Together, they ran Fracul's Market, an independent grocery store, from 1958 to 1966. She was also employed for a time by Liberty Mutual, Shenango China, and the Country House Christmas Shop, a place she especially loved working. Her primary role, however, was that of a homemaker. She took great care to maintain a warm, immaculate home, where she never failed to offer guests a cup of coffee, something sweet, and good conversation around her table.

Irene, known as "Renie" to her friends, joyfully sang in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church choir for thirty-five years. She was a loyal Steelers fan, sharing many Sundays with Don, cheering on their team. She cherished time with her family on Lake Erie vacations and trips to Florida, where she loved soaking up the sun with her feet in the sand. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed Danielle Steel novels and watching soap operas, particularly The Young and the Restless. More than anything, she treasured her five grandchildren, showering them with limitless love, unwavering support, excellent homemade treats, and far too many presents to count.

She is now at peace in the arms of her beloved Don, as well as her parents, Earl and Anna Kervi; her grandson, Ryan Lucas Bees; her brother, Jack Kervi; and her brothers-in-law, Tom Fracul and Bill Gleghorn, all of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Ann Burick (Jim) and Nancy Gleghorn; her brother, David Kervi (Jackie); her sister-in-law, Dorothy Fracul; her daughters, Debra Bees (Donald) and Deanna Fracul (Norman Conti); and her grandchildren, Jason Mathew Bees, Carter Donald Fracul-Conti, Greyson Maxwell Fracul-Conti, and Esme Doreian Fracul-Conti.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Presque Isle Partnership, 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite #2, Erie, PA 16505, or online at www.discoverpi.com/giving.

Arrangements are entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home in New Castle, where online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com.