Obituary of Irene Marie Sauro

Irene Marie (O'Neill) Sauro, aged 88 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 24th, at home surrounded by her devoted family and her beloved cat, Petey. Irene was born in Philadelphia on August 6, 1927 to Joseph and Frances O'Neill. She moved to Minotola at age 12. Irene married Anthony R. Sauro in 1949 and settled in Vineland where they raised five children. Irene was co-owner of Sauro Jewelers in the early years of their marriage, and later helped her husband start A.R. Sauro Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Irene always had a passion for hard work which led to her decision to continue her education. At age 37, she received her GED certificate and subsequently entered Cumberland County College for an Associate's Degree in teaching. In 1972 she graduated cum laude from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) with a degree in education. While teaching kindergarten in Franklin Township and working for Easter Seals Speech Clinic, she earned a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Trenton State College (The College of New Jersey) in 1975. Irene was one of the best in the field of Speech Pathology and was also fluent in American Sign Language. She touched many lives during her career as a Speech Therapist for Vineland Public Schools, and after retirement in 1992, she continued to provide speech therapy in her home. Irene also enjoyed traveling, reading, and music, and sang with the St. Francis of Assisi Church choir for many years. She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Anthony R. Sauro, her son Anthony J. Sauro, her brother Fr. Francis (Hugh) O'Neill, and her sister Therese O'Neill Hamaduk. She is survived by her 2 sons, James R. Sauro (Susan) and Michael A. Sauro (Diane); 2 daughters, Patricia Sauro DiMatteo and Kathleen Sauro McCabe; five grandchildren, Robert A. McCabe, David J. Sauro (Marielle), Brian J. DiMatteo, Dominique Miller (John), Danielle Sauro; and one great grandchild, Andrew James Miller. Funeral home visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 6pm to 9pm at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave. Vineland and again on Wednesday morning from 9am to 10:45am at St. Padre Pio Parish, the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland, followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 11am. Irene will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Home Health Care, 290 Chester Avenue Moorestown, NJ 08057.