Irene Frances Manzo Albasi, 82, of Olyphant, entered paradise on November 5, 2024, surrounded by family, after a 20-year battle with lymphoma. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Petrona (Kathryn) Mikilia. Irene was an Honors graduate of Scranton Central High School and later worked with the Visiting Nurses Association, caring daily for terminally-ill patients. Irene married Dominick “Donny” Manzo in 1960, coming together through their mutual love of Doo Wop music. Donny passed on in 1989. Twelve years later, Irene met Bruno Albasi, a loving man whom she married but again made her a widow. Irene had a zest for life. A fun-loving and vibrant person, she was the kind of person anyone wanted to be around. She would make friends with anyone she met but was not afraid to say what was on her mind. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved, and her faith was the compass which guided her throughout her life’s journey. Irene shared an unbreakable bond with her son, Donny, and a special connection with her daughter-in-law, JeanAnne. She was an amazing grandmother who had an incredible love for her grandchildren, Gianna and Nicolo, and his girlfriend Erin. Irene also loved animals and cared for many pets, including the dog who brought her comfort over her last several years - her son’s family’s beagle, Lily. Irene was a wonderfully dynamic person - she found joy both in the thrills of life, like racing championship horses in Maine, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania or throwing dice at casinos where people knew her by her first name, and in life’s simple pleasures, like playing a board game with family, sitting outside talking with her friends, or enjoying a good meal. Irene was an incredibly giving woman. Welcoming everyone into her home for her famous lasagna and best dishes, she would never let her guests leave without plenty to take home. She would also frequently give money and clothes to the underprivileged. Irene was also predeceased by an infant grandson, Dominick Gaetano Manzo, and special friend, Bruce Leshishyn. Surviving are her adoring son, Dominick Manzo and wife, JeanAnne, Olyphant; her grandchildren, Nicolo Manzo, Olyphant, and partner, Erin Kane, Scranton, and Gianna Manzo, Olyphant; nieces and nephews; and several cousins and friends. Irene’s family will never forget the generous and caring ways of her cousin Alice Piczon and her companion, Jack Palko, and her cousin Esther Lanzo. They would also like to thank her favorite nurse, Taylor, her physician’s assistant, Pam, and the entire staff of Dunmore Health Care Center. Private arrangements by the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., will be conducted in accordance with Irene’s wishes. Irene dreamed of seeing God, and we are comforted to know that He welcomed her into His eternal kingdom of goodness and love. She is running and dancing again, as she had talked about so often throughout the final weeks of her Earthly days. Irene, you finally see it. Sweet dreams.

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