ForeverMissed
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Irene Sidun Parvensky of Downingtown, passed away peacefully at home at the young age of 91 on Sunday, February 9, 2020. She was the wife of the late Emil Eugene Parvensky with whom she shared 25 years, prior to his passing in 1974. She was the loving mother of nine children, including John (Tenley) Parvensky of Denver, CO, Paula Marie Resetco, with whom she resided, Annamarie Pridgen, of Plymouth Meeting, Margaret Mary (Jim) Reach, of Chester Springs, David (Nancy) Parvensky of Downingtown, and Catherine Ann (Phil) Barwell of Downingtown.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Emil Paul Parvensky, and daughters Mary Theresa Biegenwald and Andrea Marie McKee. She was also the loving grandmother of Christopher McKee, Silas (Sarah) McKee, Michele (Ryan) Stillwell-Parvensky (Tierney), Emily (Anthony) Buatti, Travis McKee, Kristie (Evan) Wells, Bridget (Chris) Inzirillo, Danielle Reach, David Parvensky Jr., Veronica Reach, Michael Parvensky, Alistair McKee, Matthew Barwell, Alison Reach, Mackenzie Barwell, and Kiera Barwell and loving great-grandmother of Gabriella Loretta Buatti, Raphael Benjamin Inzirillo, Kendra Irene Tierney, and Evelyn Yolanda Tierney. She was the last survivor of nine children born to Mary and Frank Sidun including Mary, John, Anne, Helen, Margaret, Mike, Frank, and George.

Irene was born on May 3, 1928 in Colver, PA. She joined the Byzantine Catholic Order of Sisters of the St. Basil convent as a novice (Sister Benjamin), at Mount Saint Macrina in Uniontown, PA prior to leaving the convent to marry the love of her life in 1951. In her younger years, she was an avid flower arranger and frequent judge at the Philadelphia Flower Show, winning several show awards herself, including the blue ribbon for “Best in Show”. She was also a member and President of the Uwchlan Garden Club for many years. Although she was a homemaker for most of her life, she did work as an executive secretary for the President at Jefferson Bank for 10 years.

She was a member of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic church in Mont Clare since 1965, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. She was also president of the Blue Army. The things she enjoyed most in life were her family, making people laugh, and singing. She will be dearly missed.

February 11, 2020
February 11, 2020
Mom,
Words cannot express the sadness in my heart. From the moment I knew we lost you and from this day forward, there will forever be a hole in my heart. You were the best - and funniest - mother ever. After all, not many people can say their mother was a nun :-). You raised an amazing family who loved you more than words can say. It makes me so happy that we were able to keep you by our side until that moment God decided to take you to heaven. I know you are making everyone laugh in heaven, surrounded by Dad, Emil, Mary, and Andi. Give them hugs and kisses for me and please give me a sign to show me you are watching over us. Until we meet again... you will forever be in my heart.

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February 11, 2020
February 11, 2020
Mom,
Words cannot express the sadness in my heart. From the moment I knew we lost you and from this day forward, there will forever be a hole in my heart. You were the best - and funniest - mother ever. After all, not many people can say their mother was a nun :-). You raised an amazing family who loved you more than words can say. It makes me so happy that we were able to keep you by our side until that moment God decided to take you to heaven. I know you are making everyone laugh in heaven, surrounded by Dad, Emil, Mary, and Andi. Give them hugs and kisses for me and please give me a sign to show me you are watching over us. Until we meet again... you will forever be in my heart.
Her Life

May 3, 1928

February 11, 2020
Irene was born in Colver, PA on May 3, 1928, the second youngest to Mary and Frank Sidun. She was the last remaining surviving child, predeceased by Mary, John, Anne, Helen, Margaret, Mike, Frank, and George. 

Before she was Sister Benjamin

February 11, 2020
Irene decided that it was her calling to join the Byzantine Catholic Order of Sisters of the St. Basil convent at Mount Saint Macrina in Uniontown, PA. As a novice, she was named Sister Benjamin. But the mother superior wanted her to leave for a year to make sure it was God's will for her to join the convent permanently. But there was a catch... she had to date during that period.

Emil and Irene

February 11, 2020
Irene went six months without dating, but the mother superior told her again she needed to go on a date. The cantor of the church had been asking her out, so she finally relented to a date. His name... Emil Eugene Parvensky. After the year was up, she had a decision to make. Does she go back to the convent or marry her love. Her decision??? She decided to go back to the convent. She told Emil of her decision, but after seeing the pain it caused him, Irene changed her mind and married the love of her life and did not return to the convent.
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A message from Anna

February 13, 2020
How do I start a tribute about my Mother, the most important person in my life. She was such a joy to me and everyone that met her. She had a contagious laugh that you couldn't help but laugh with her.

There are so many funny stories of her live. The one that popped in my head is we were going to church and we stopped at a red light. Mom looked over at the sign on the corner and read "Sleep Ease, the mattress professionals". She said "I can do that job!" I told her she didn't have to get a job.

When the Malaysia airplane went missing we heard it on the news over and over again. The next day we went to Bob Evans and she looked up and said "there's the plane they have been looking for. We laughed so hard.

She could not walk in a room and not be the center of attention. Her smile would like it up. Oh how she loved to flirt with the men. She had to talk to every one of them when we went out to eat and they all made a big fuss over her. She would eat it up.

I used to take her to happy hour with my friends. We would just boost her up on a bar stool and she would be one of the girls. One time one of the girls had a bunch to say so she kept talking and talking. After a while Mom said "there is a little too much talking here and not enough listening!" It was so funny. I am so happy that I got her love of laughter and sense of humor. I have been told I will be just like her when I get to be her age. What a complement.

I have been worried about her passing for 46 years since my Dad died. I thank God for each of those years. I was lucky enough to have her live with me for several years and we had a lot of quality time. It's hard to believe that we started out with 11 of us. Five are in Heaven and the other 6 waiting to join them. What a great day that will be when we are all reunited.

I love you Mom more than I can ever say. Thank you for all of the many blessings you gave me. Thank you God for letting me be one of the truly lucky people that were brought into this world by the amazing Emil and Irene Parvensky.

Anna

The best mom ever

February 13, 2020
There aren't many people who can say that their mom used to be a nun. I would always use that as one of my "fun facts" about myself during introductions for classes. There are so many things I could say about my mom, like how her face would light up when you would bring her chocolate or ice cream. She could not have been more loved. She brightened a room and could make everybody laugh. I asked her once how she survived having nine children and she responded "it was really just a blur." It was a blessing just to have known her and amazing to have had her as a mother. I love her more than words could say and will miss her every day. 

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