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The Life of IRENE SZURGOT

Irene H. Szurgot, 95, passed peacefully Sunday March 5th after a brief period in hospice care at her residence in Manor at Market Square. Born in Reading PA in December 1927 to the late Stanley and Helen Szurgot, Irene was a 1945 graduate of Reading High School. In childhood she was predeceased by two brothers and a sister, and later in life by her brother Henry and her longtime companion and friend Jesse Segel. She is survived by many cousins on both her mother's and father's side of her family. A talented accordionist, Irene performed in the Reading area as Irene Shugars and led several combos and her all-girl band for a 10-year period in the late 1940's and early 50's. During this span she also taught accordion at Zeswitz Music and had worked with more than 60 students in her time in that role. Irene later tested and qualified for security position in Reading and began her 30-year Civil Service career. Her assignments included positions at Fort Bliss and Kelly AFB in Texas, as well as Langley AFB, Virginia. Upon retirement Irene returned to San Antonio where she stayed active with many local organizations to include the San Antonio Accordion Association. She was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Parish and spent many hours in service to local charitable organizations. She returned to Reading in January 2020 to be closer to family. Services for Irene will be held Friday March 10th at St. John de la Salle RC Church in Shillington. Viewing will at the church beginning at 9:00 AM with Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery following Mass. Gallman-Sonoski Funeral Home of Reading is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the ARL of Berks County in Irene's memory. Online condolences may be made at gallman-sonoskifuneralhome.com

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