Irene Ann Demianovich

While surrounded by her loving family, Irene Ann Demianovich, 78, of Clifford Twp., finished her earthly journey and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on November 11th.  Irene is now reunited with her husband of 39 years, Michael Demianovich, Sr., who passed away in 2006.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, daughter of the late Walter and Helen Krahwinkel Knowlton, she was member of the Elkdale Baptist Church, Clifford.  As a four year old child, Irene contracted polio and was placed in an iron lung for nine months; she served as the 1952 poster child for the March of Dimes Campaign in Binghamton, NY.  After many months of rehabilitation, Irene was able to live a relatively normal life with her many siblings.  Her greatest strength was her determination.  Many years later, Irene’s love for the Lord led her to teach multiple generations of children through the Sunday school, Patch the Pirate Club, and Daily Vacation Bible School programs at her church.  She also played the piano and sang in the church choir.  Irene had a kind spirit and loving heart.

Many other family members have gone on before Irene including three sisters: Catherine Dean; Loretta Tuckey; and Beverly Jean Knowlton; and two brothers: Walter and Robert Knowlton.

Irene leaves behind a large loving family including one son: Michael Demianovich, Jr. and wife Andrea, Vandling; two grandchildren: Holly, Vandling; and Andrew and wife April, Susquehanna; four great grandchildren: Brooklyn; Harper; Gentry; and Pierce; three sisters: Marion Knowlton, Moosic; Jane Wessner and husband Forrest, Slatington; Cindy Taylor and husband Larry, Jermyn; four brothers: Dennis Knowlton and wife Sherry, Clifford; Fred Knowlton, Clifford Twp.; Donald Twining and wife Mary Lynn, Thompson; and Roy Twining and wife RoseAnn, Lenoxville; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Friday November 17th with services at 10 am in the Elkdale Baptist Church, 45 State Route 2014, Clifford Twp.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 1230 NY-79, Windsor, NY.  Friends may call at the church on Thursday, from 4 to 7 pm and on Friday from 9 am until service time.  Arrangements by the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main Street, Forest City.

Memorial donations may be made to the Elkdale Baptist Church Children’s Ministry Program.

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