Irene (Kelyman) Smalley

Irene (Kelyman) Smalley, 90, of Girard, passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family, on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

She was born on February 2, 1936, in Meadville, a daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Sasala) Kelyman, who immigrated from Prague, Russia. Irene graduated from Cambridge Springs High School in 1953. Following graduation, she began her career working for attorneys John and Bob Kent, the latter serving as Pennsylvania State Treasurer at the time.

After moving to Girard, Irene married Eugene R. Smalley on May 11, 1957. She later began a long and dedicated career with the Girard School District, first at Rice Avenue Middle School and then at Elk Valley Elementary School, where she served as head cook. Irene retired in 2016 after 40 years of faithful service.

Irene’s family was the light of her life, and she gave of herself wholeheartedly to those she loved. Alongside her work, she took great joy in caring for her home, especially through cooking wholesome meals. Each holiday season, her home was filled with the comforting aroma of baked goods, and her famous nut rolls became a cherished tradition among family and friends.

She also had a deep love for the outdoors, spending her springs planting flowers and tending to her vegetable garden, which she harvested each fall. Irene had a special affection for animals and shared a close bond with her beloved Maltese, Winston. Her caring spirit, kind words, and selfless nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Irene was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Girard American Legion Post #494 Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene R. Smalley; sisters, Helen Hornstein, Margaret Hriso, and Ann Dean; brothers, John, Charles, George, Paul, Andrew, Joe, and Pete Kelyman; nieces, Cindy Kelyman, Ginny Kelyman, and Karen Hopkins; nephews, Don Hornstein and Joe Kelyman; and great-nephew, David Davis.

She will be greatly missed by her loving family, including her daughters, Debbie Platz (Mike) and Sharon Ward (Lyle); her grandchildren, Jessica Godlewski and Justin Hardik (Jessie); and many nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511.

Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. at Edder Family Funeral Home, 309 Main Street East, Girard.

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