Irene Buckla Prokipchak

1931 ~ 2022

Viewing:

Jan. 8, 2022
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
355 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    Jan. 8, 2022
    2:00 PM
    355 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
  • Directions to Service
  • Irene (Buckla) Prokipchak, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2022, in Draper, UT with family by her side, as her favorite song “Ave Maria” softly played.

    Irene was born on January 28, 1931, in Olyphant, PA to John and Mary Buckla. She graduated from Olyphant High School in 1948, where she was voted “Most Fun Loving” of her senior class. She honored that title throughout her life. On September 30, 1950, Irene married the love of her life, William Prokipchak. She dedicated much of her life to her husband, raising her children and making her home a warm and inviting place. She loved the holidays and gatherings with her friends and large extended family. Irene had a lifelong love of music, singing and dancing, especially the Jitterbug with husband, Bill. After Bill suffered a severe stroke, she selflessly cared for him for 13 years. She had a strong love of God and her Orthodox Christian faith.

    One of Irene’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandsons, Derek and Ryan. When the boys were young, they would spend hours together telling stories, drawing, using their imaginations, creating tents out of sheets and going on adventures in the park.

    Irene is survived by daughter Diane, Albuquerque, NM; son Bill, Boston, MA; daughter Andrea and husband Greg Short, Sandy, UT; grandson Derek, grandson Ryan and his wife Lindsey, sister-in-law Anne Buckla and many nieces, nephews, and their children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, William, sisters Anne, Mary, Helen, Julie, Veronica and Olga; brothers, baby Michael, Andrew, John and Charlie; and dear friend Murl Gibbins.

    Our thanks to Beacon Crest Senior Living’s staff for their kind and loving care. Sincere appreciation to Inspiration Hospice, especially nurses, Austin, Allison and Melissa, CNAs Daniela and “Sweet Sue”, Chaplain Chris and Social Worker Mikenna for their compassionate care and support. Much gratitude to Father Paul Truebenbach and Father Justin Havens for their love and support.

    Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 8th at 2 pm, with visitation from 1 to 2 pm at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Christian Church, 355 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Burial will be at a later date at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery, South Canaan, PA, under the direction and care of John J. Turko and Son's Funeral Home of Scranton, PA . Funeral Services will be streamed via Zoom for those unable to attend or wishing to attend virtually.

    The family would kindly ask those attending the services to wear a face mask due to concerns of COVID-19.

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Christian Church, 406 East 300 South, Box 253, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.

    ***To watch the previously held services, please click the blue "Watch Services" link above which will open the recorded services for viewing.***


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Dear Andrea, Greg, Diane, Billy and grandsons,

    Such a beautiful service and heartfelt tribute to a life lived so well in the image of Christ - your beloved mother and grandmother, Irene. The love from Aunt Irene and the fun childhood memories will be forever cherished. Aunt Irene lives on through each of you and will forever shine. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Much love,
    Janice & Mark Davy
    Atlanta, GA


    - Janice Davy

    We send our sincere condolences to Irene's family. She was our neighbor here in Willow Bend for many years. My mother and father loved their friendship with her. She was always a joy to visit and talk to. My father passed away 11 years ago, and my husband and I moved into Willow Bend to take care of my mother 5 years ago, and that is when I got to know Irene personally. She was always so gracious and fun to be with as we dropped in to see her. Once summer my young granddaughters visited her and they sang "you are my sunshine" to her. She loved the music and made our visit a time these young girls will always remember. Such sweet memories of the delightful neighbor we missed so much as she moved out of Willow Bend. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mother with us.
    My mom is soon to be 94, and shares with me our tender memories of your dear mom.


    - Linda Tufts Reed