HORNELL-Irene Elaine Recktenwald Oyer, 71, of Hornell, died Sunday afternoon (Oct. 4, 2015) at her home, with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Hollywood, Calif. on Nov. 2, 1943, during the World War II era, and was the daughter of the late James A. and Irene E. (Blasco) Recktenwald. She was raised by her grandparents, the late Charles and Abigail Recktenwald of Hornell. Besides her parents and grandparents, she was also predeceased by her sister, Mary Ann and her stepmother, Kathryn.
A graduate of Hornell High School, Irene also attended Alfred State College and was employed for over 30 years at Wegmans in Hornell as a pharmacy technician.
She was an active woman throughout her life with a passion for her family and community. She truly adored her four grandchildren, attending all their sporting events and school functions. Irene was a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Moose Lodge and the AZB Sorority. She enjoyed traveling and RV camping and wintered with her husband in Florida and often visited Gettysburg, Pa. For her 50th wedding anniversary, she and her family shared a week long ocean cruise in July to Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas.
Her loving family includes her husband of 50 years, Richard “Dick” Oyer, who she married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on June 19, 1965; her two sons, Rick (Lisa) Oyer of Hornell and Chris (Elena) Oyer of Victor; her four grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Nathan and Weston; her two brothers, James Recktenwald of Minnesota and John Recktenwald of Virginia; her sister, Lynn Connery of Texas; also her beloved aunt, Mary Dahill of Rocky River, Ohio; and her nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Irene R. Oyer.
Calling hours are 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where the AZB Sorority will hold a memorial service following calling hours at 7 p.m. Friends are invited to meet her family at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday. Private interment will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843 or to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, 1048 University Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14607. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences or remembrances of Irene are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
