Irene (Purtell) Lichota

Irene Ruth Lichota, 74, of Murrysville, passed away after a brief battle with lymphoma on Monday, March 10, 2025, at UPMC East. She was born April 7, 1950, in Braddock, PA, daughter of the late Jerry and Ruth (Rhodes) Purtell. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry (Clairlou) Purtell, Michael Purtell, and a sister, Carolyn Vogel. 

Irene was a woman of warmth and kindness and was fiercely devoted to her family.  Whether it was family vacations or family gatherings, Irene was the heart and soul of the Lichota and Purtell families.  Irene's grandchildren meant the world to her.  She could often be found cheering on her grandchildren at sporting and other events.  She was their biggest fan.

Irene will be dearly missed by her husband of 55 years, James "Jim" E. Lichota Sr.; two sons, James "Jamie" (Sharon) Lichota, David (Kassandra) Lichota; five grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew, Kai, Nika, Rainy; one brother, J. Stephen (Patricia) Purtell; a sister-in-law, Linda Purtell; a brother-in-law, Larry Vogel; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many cousins and friends, including two very dear life-long friends, Kathy (Torcaso) Mazzei and Chrissy (McGee) Maser. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, by visiting www.lls.org. Visitation is from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., 3103 Lillian Avenue, Murrysville.  Parting prayers are 9:45 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Mother of Sorrows Church in Murrysville.  Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburgh. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com. 

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