Obituary of Audrey R. Irwin

Audrey Ruth (Barley) Irwin, age 85, of Erie, PA, passed away at home while holding hands with her beloved daughter Stephanie on Friday, January 27, 2023. Born November 5, 1937, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Margaret Barley. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin L. Irwin; son, Craig W. Irwin; son-in-law, Shane I. Murdock; brother and sister-in-law, John Jr and Barbara Barley; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Floyd Kent, all of Pgh, PA. She was also preceded in death by her lifelong best friends Jean (Street) Gillie and Noreen (Wendt) Parker, also of Pgh, PA. She leaves behind and was beloved by her brother Ronald Barley of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; her son, Alan R. (Kathleen K.) Irwin; daughter, Stephanie (Murdock) and Robert Celeski of Erie PA; daughter-in-law, Lisa (Vassalo) Irwin of Lancaster S.C.; and friends, Robert Parker and James Gillie of Pgh, PA. She will be missed by her grandchildren Luke (Carlie) Irwin; Alaina Irwin and great-granddaughter, Audra of Erie, PA; Natalie (Irwin) Drew Hall and great-granddaughter, Sienna of Rock Hill S.C.; Alexander (Andrea) Irwin; Joshua Irwin; Rachel Irwin; Connor Murdock; Pierce Murdock; Robbie Celeski; and Carly Celeski all of Erie, PA; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind and will be missed by friends Scott (Pattie) Gillie; Todd (Geni) Gillie; Mark Gillie; Rob Gillie; Jennifer (Gillie), and Michael Kiss all of Pgh, PA; Laure Parker; Brian (Vicki) Parker; David (Leslie) Parker; and Matthew Parker all of Pgh, PA; and Nikolas Guerriero of Erie, PA. While growing up on “Chicken Hill” in Pgh, PA, Audrey met and married the one and only love of her life, Alvin (Big AL) Irwin. Shortly after they were married on May 8th, 1959, while attending church, they reunited with Audrey’s childhood friend, Noreen (Wendt) Parker and Al’s childhood friend Robert (Bob) Parker. Shortly after, and at the same church, they met James and Jean (Street) Gillie. The six of them soon became best friends for life, calling themselves The PIGs (Parker, Irwin, Gillie). Through time and distance, they visited each other constantly. They taught their children the true meaning of unconditional love through faith. Their “kids” have continued the example the big PIGs set for them by remaining lifetime friends. Audrey loved to travel. Her favorite means of transportation were cruise ships. One of her favorite memories was a 103-day world cruise. She loved spending time in her flower gardens with her grandchild Alaina and her niece Lynn (Irwin) Camp. Every morning she would feed her birds. Then she would watch them come and go all day. She was also an avid reader. Throughout her lifetime, she read thousands of books. She attended every football, swimming, baseball, hockey, and basketball game that her children or grandchildren participated in. She even sponsored a lot of teams. She was no stranger to philanthropy. Audrey and Alvin were major supporters of their churches both in Erie, and their church in Hobe Sound, FL. She sponsored Hope Rural School for immigrants, and The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Martin County, FL. Locally, she supported The Gertrude A. Barber National Center, The Brig Niagara and Erie Maritime Museum, the Hagan Historical Society, and the Erie Community Foundation. During the pandemic, Audrey would say “who can I help?” and “I need to do more”. She helped family, friends, neighbors, small businesses, and anybody who asked her for help. Her last commitment to the city of Erie was for the kids of Erie. She put all of her efforts into supporting expERIEnce Children’s Museum. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service there at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to expERIEnce Children’s Museum or the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute.