Irene Sarah (Sheetz) Schmidt, age 86, of Sigel, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital in DuBois, PA. Irene was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on September 13, 1938, to the late Charles and Esther Sheetz.

Irene attended high school in Pittsburgh, PA.

Irene married the love of her life John Joseph Schmidt on February 4, 1961, in Pittsburgh, PA. For over thirty-one years, their lives were filled with family, happiness, and love. John preceded her in death in 1992.  

Irene was a member of the Brookville Church of Christ in Brookville, PA for over a decade.

Irene served as a waitress at the Brookville TA Travel Center, in Brookville, PA, Diamond J’s Restaurant in Reynoldsville, PA, Union 76 Truckstop Center in Strattanville, PA, and then the Corsica Truckstop in Corsica, PA, before dedicating many years as a caregiver.

Irene enjoyed puzzle-solving, games, and card playing with her family. She loved to go to yard sales and always discovered a great bargain.

Irene was devoted to her family and worked diligently throughout her life. She doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in a deeply family-oriented manner. They all loved and adored their ‘Gammy-Gam’ who would always spoil them. Irene cherished the unforgettable memories created with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Irene is survived by five children; Wendy McGowan of FL, Janet (Don) Fiscus of Sigel, PA, Sharon (Brian) Bullers of DuBois, PA, Edith Dietman of Punxsutawney, PA, and John (Kelli) Schmidt of Strattanville, PA; eleven grandchildren; Heather (Jonathan), Dawn, Mandy (Kayle), Chris (Becky), Sharon “Littie”, Brian (Stacy), Jodi, Johnny (Josie), Tyler (Randi), Abby, Faith; twenty-two great-grandchildren; Bethani, Isaac, Cameron and Brooke, Haley, Karlie, Colin, Kristian and Kylee, Kayla, Tim, Aliza, River, Colton, Colby, Brycen, Brantley, Victoria, Gracie, Ruthie, Weston, Matthew; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.                

In addition to her parents and husband, Irene is preceded in death by two children; Peggy McGowan and Edward “Ed” Schmidt; and one grandchild; Eddie Schmidt.

Family and friends will be received for a viewing on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at the Carrier Funeral Home, 2834 Maplevale, Rd., Brookville, PA 15825.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, also at the Carrier Funeral Home, beginning at 11 am and officiated by Pastor Randy Matheny.

Interment will take place privately at the Jefferson Cemetery, Clover Twp., Jefferson Co., PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Irene’s name to the Brookville Church of Christ, 20 Hughey Rd., Brookville, PA 15825. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carrier Funeral Home. Please visit our website at www.carrierfh.com to find more information or place online condolences.