SAVANNAH –Elvira P. Irwin, 90 of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at The Oaks of Skidaway Island in Savannah, GA. Elvira Ellie was a former resident of Pittsburgh, PA, for 60 years, subsequently New Port Richey, FL and most recently Savannah, Ga.
Ellie is preceded in death by her dear husband of 66 years, James R. Irwin, her parents Joseph and Frances Peternel and brothers and sisters, William, Skeets, Art, Al, Chuck, Collie and Elsie. She is the beloved mother of Cheryl Lang, Savannah, Elaine Bill Frantz, Savannah and Connie Irwin, Cambridge, MA.
Born February 22, 1921, Ellie worked in Pittsburgh for the US Navy, married Jim in 1943 and following the end of World War II devoted her life to her family and civic responsibilities. In addition to volunteering as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Ellie was President of the Robinson Township Civic League and served tirelessly with the Republican Women's Club and the PTA. She was also a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Ellie was known by all for her cooking, baking and entertaining. Planning and hosting airline and family parties were passions of Ellie. She was known by one and all as "St. Elvira" because of her love and kindnesses shown to all.
She was a dear and loving sister-in-law to Frances Art Peternel, of Bethel Park, PA, Jack Aggie Irwin of McKees Rocks, PA and Bill Sondra Irwin of Longmont, CO. In addition, she was the beloved aunt to Wayne Eleanor Peternel, Marlene Parrish Bob Wolke, Dennis Peternel, Bonnie Chuck Long, the late Mary Don Rearic, Janice Bob Marshall, Thomas Janette Peternel, Michelle Joel Goldberg, Arthur Martha Peternel, Francis Tim Manning, Michelle Bob Tuegel, Beverly Ed Blanchette, William Irwin, Carolyn Sam Holtz, Paul Alexa Beckman, Robert Patty Beckman and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Ellie will always be remembered for her devotion to her husband Jim and her three daughters, Cheryl, Elaine and Connie.
A memorial service will be held at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, GA on Wednesday, November 16 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the charity of choice. Entombment will be at Meadowlawn Cemetery, New Port Richey, FL on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel