Obituary of Irene S. Denihan

Denihan, Irene of Manhasset, NY died peacefully at her home on August 31, 2013 after suffering a stroke on July 12th. Born on November 15, 1921 to Anna and Stanislaw Spokas, Irene grew up in Philadelphia, Pa. Irene was a strong, courageous, thoughtful, caring woman who made the lives of many of those around her that much richer for knowing her. She will be dearly missed. The devoted wife of Benjamin J. Denihan for forty years, who predeceased her in 1986, Irene is the beloved mother of Julianne D. Bresciani, Brooke D. Barrett-Galbraith, Benjamin J. Denihan, Maureen D. Ferrari , Donald G. Denihan and Laurence K. Denihan and nineteen grandchildren: Alessandra Okay, Michelle Collins, John Barrett, Katharine, Tully and Charles Denihan, Christina O’Donovan, Christopher, Michael, and Margaret Ferrari, Donald, Timothy, Devon, and Patrick Denihan, and Correy, Kelsey, Ranait, Riley,and Quentin Denihan and eight great grandchildren: Finley, Rowan, and Vaughn Collins, Jacqueline and Reese Barrett, William and Juliette Okay, and Benjamin O’Donovan. In addition, Irene is survived by her dear brother, Otto Edmond Spokas of Palonian Springs, Virginia and her stepsister, Helen Raffa of Cuppertino, California. A lifelong supporter of Catholic charities, Irene has been a Manhasset resident and active member of St. Mary’s Church for over 50 years. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Church of Saint Mary, 1300 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, New York 11030.