Professionally, Helen Jane Irvin was regarded by her peers as an accomplished therapist, recognized in her field.
She also was remembered as a loving mother, who organized a morning stroller walk in her close-knit Shaler neighborhood.
Helen Jane Shriner Irvin, of Greensburg, a therapist at Westmoreland Regional Hospital Comprehensive Counseling Center, died on Wednesday, April 24, 2002, in the Select Specialty Hospital, Greensburg, Westmoreland County. She was 77.
"Mom had a fine career as a therapist," said her daughter, Judy Irvin. "Even after she retired, they asked her to continue to be associated with the Center on a part-time basis.
"Mom was an organizer. She's still remembered for the stroller walks that she organized. It gave the young mothers a chance to socialize while taking their children for a stroll."
Born and raised in Wilkinsburg, Helen Jane Shriner was one of five children in the family of Jasper Theodore and Helen Rarick Shriner. Jasper Shriner taught physics at Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill for more than 40 years. He also was known for teaching his students how to construct their own radios.
While attending Wilkinsburg High School, Miss Shriner worked on the school newspaper and graduated with honors in 1942.
She continued her work in journalism while attending the former Pennsylvania College for Women, now Chatham College in Shadyside, as part of the college newspaper, while majoring in psychology.
Before marrying John Irvin Jr. in 1951, she performed psychological testing at the McKeesport Campus of Penn State. Mr. Irvin, a World War II veteran, was employed by the National Union Fire Insurance Co.
Her daughter, Jane Peterson, recalled that soon after their marriage her parents moved to Shaler Township, where Helen and John Irvin became active in the Glenshaw Presbyterian Church. Mr. Irvin was both an elder and a deacon, and the Irvin children attended Sunday school.
In 1971, the family moved to Greensburg, when Mr. Irvin became associated with the Old Republic Insurance Co. Upon his death in 1976, Mrs. Irvin, with children still in school, began a full-time career as a therapist.
"My mother knew how important it was to help those who are mentally challenged to try and lead a normal lifestyle," said her son, John Irvin. "It was a challenge that she brought with her to the Comprehensive Counseling Center from her involvement with shelter programs."
Her youngest son, James Irvin, still was a student at Greensburg Salem High School when his father died.
"Although Mom had a full-time position, she still took time to be with us," he said. "She made time to take me to swim practice and band practice."
Despite her busy schedule at the Counseling Center, Mrs. Irvin found time to enjoy her membership with the Greensburg College Club and playing bridge with friends as part of a Tuesday bridge club.
She continued her devotion to her Presbyterian faith by serving as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg and its Lois Circle.
And despite the fact that her children were involved with families and careers, Mrs. Irvin still worried about them. "Every time I visited with Mom, she'd give me $20 for gas money," Judy Irvin said. "She worried that I would run out of gas."
Mrs. Irvin is survived by her sons, John Irvin of Franklin Park and James P. Irvin of Richmond, Va.; daughters, Jane Peterson of Delta, Colo., and Judy K. Irvin of Forest Hills; and grandchildren, Kelly Irvin, Dan Irvin, Ryan Sarel and Nikkia Hall.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today in the First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg, with the Revs. Martin R. Ankrum and H. Donald Lash co-officiating.
Arrangements by the Coshey-Nicholson Funeral Home, 319 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg.
