Irene Marie (Purdy) Schu, 87, of Canandaigua, NY,
formerly of Hornell, passed away Friday morning (November 15, 2019) at the M.M
Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua, with her loving family by her
side. Born in Canandaigua on May 26, 1932, she was the daughter
of J. Clifford and Clara (Sanders) Purdy.
Irene grew up in Canandaigua and was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy (class of 1950). She later received her Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University. While a student at Syracuse University, Irene met her future husband, William “Billy” Schu.
Irene grew up in Canandaigua and was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy (class of 1950). She later received her Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University. While a student at Syracuse University, Irene met her future husband, William “Billy” Schu.
A resident of Hornell for over 60 years, Irene, along
with her husband , owned and operated Billy Schu’s Food Bar for over 30
years. For many years, she also served
as a substitute school teacher in the Hornell School District. Irene was always very “community minded” and
for many years volunteered her time as an Election Inspector serving with the
Hornell Board of Elections.
For over 50 years, Irene was a very active member of the
Hornell United Presbyterian Church. She served as a volunteer at the Hornell
Public Library for over 25 years and also donated her time to numerous other
local organizations. Irene enjoyed
quilting, sewing, gardening, traveling, reading and baking. She was proud
of her children and instilled within each of them the love of reading and the
curiosity for life.
Irene was married to William E. “Billy” Schu who died May
17, 1988. She was also preceded in death
by her sister, Shirley Galens and sister-in-law, Patty Pullman.
Surviving are her her 4 children, Deborah
(Christopher) Munn of Canastota, NY, William (Debbie) Schu of LaFayette, NY,
Brian ( Pam ) Schu of Hornell and Jeanine (Jim) Smith of Rush, NY; her sister,
Marian (Robert) McAllister; her brother Vernon Purdy; sister-in-law, Anita
Young; 8 grandchildren, Christine, Doug, Rebekah, Bill, James, Jake, Ian
and Sadie; 4 great-grandchildren, Adeline, Christopher, Sawyer and Mason; along
with numerous nieces and nephews.
At Irene’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday
at 11:00 a.m. at the Hornell United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Katherine
Griffis officiating. Final interment
will be in Hope Cemetery in Hornell.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell,
NY.
Irene’s family request that in lieu of flowers memorial
contributions in her name be made to the Hornell United Presbyterian Church or
donate a book in her memory to the Hornell Public Library.
The family of Irene wish to thank the staff of The
Gardens at Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua for their kind;
professional; compassionate care of Irene.
