Obituary of Florence I. Friel
Florence Irene Friel, "Irene", born in 1938, of Brookhaven, Pa., passed away peacefully at her home on June 22, 2026. Deeply grateful til the last day, our mother was surrounded by her family as well as the beautiful Hospice staff.
Born in Chester, Pa, raised in Aston Mills, Pa., by her parents, the late John Sidney and Florence Violet (Weary) Lincoln, Irene raised her six children in Brookhaven, Pa., where she resided. Held dear was her education with The Sisters at St. Francis de Sales, St. Agnes, and then Irene's Medical Training. After many years working in the lab, Irene enjoyed a successful sales business with Princess House Crystal.
Playing her baby grand piano while her husband sang was just one of the many hobbies she cherished. Caring for stray cats, enjoying family and friends, taking classes, and weightlifting at the gym kept her active and strong. With her faithful cousin, Jennifer, The Writers' Guild, Irene continued a personal mission honoring the legacy of her husband, Paul Vincent Friel, Sr., writer and poet.
In addition to her beloved parents, brother John S. Lincoln, Jr., sister Frances M. Civita, and husband, Irene was preceded in death by her son, Paul Vincent Friel, Jr. Survived by her sisters; Sydney Mae Odum and Georgia Ann Geherin, Irene is Survived by her children, Patrick (Barbara Beckwith) Friel, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) George, Daniel Friel, Maureen (Glenn) DeHaven, and Eileen (Jim) McGarvey. Many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and nephews. 17 Cherished grandchildren and 14 beloved great-grandchildren. As you grieve with us, keep us in your prayers. Please Hug Your Loved Ones Today.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd. Garnet Valley, PA. A funeral liturgy will follow at 12:00 PM. Interment will be private.
Donations for Irene's honor may be sent to: Delaware County SPCA, Media Animal Shelter, 555 Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com
