Irene Sophia Provins

Irene Sophia Provins, née Kopko, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2026, in Washington, Pennsylvania. She was born on May 15, 1928, in Washington, and lived a long life marked by devotion to her family, strength of spirit, and a personality no one who knew her could ever forget.

A graduate of Washington High School, Irene built a remarkable career with Bell Telephone, later Verizon, where she worked for 43 years before retiring. Her dedication also reached far beyond the workplace. After working five years at Target, she left her job to care for her grandson until he was in high school, a reflection of the steady love and commitment she gave so freely to her family.

Irene was loving, classy, fearless, kind, and full of spitfire. She had a sharp presence and a memorable way about her that brought to mind Sophia from The Golden Girls—made all the more fitting by her own middle name, Sophia. She was also a true expert, or as those who loved her would say, a professional “know it all” when it came to college and professional football. She especially loved watching West Virginia University and Ohio State play, and that enthusiasm was part of the joy she brought into the lives of others.

On April 27, 1956, she married her beloved husband, Perry Provins, who preceded her in death on May 26, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Julia Kopko; her brothers Walter, Joseph, Stanley, and Leo Kopko; and her sisters Mary Shuba, Stella Belcastro, Birtha Ward, Caroline Bonus, Jennie Kopko, Helen Skariot, and an infant sister.

She is survived by her daughters, Sonya Leo and Julie (John) Deyell; by her grandson, Ethan Deyell; and her brother Edward Kopko and many nieces and nephews. She was always deeply concerned for her daughter Sonya, and one of her enduring wishes was that Julie would look after Sonya in the years ahead. That loving concern speaks so clearly to the heart of who Irene was a mother whose care never stopped, whose thoughts were always with her family, and whose love remained constant.

Irene will be remembered with affection, gratitude, and admiration. Her strength, humor, loyalty, and fierce love leave a lasting mark on all who were blessed to know her.

Friends are invited to the William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allision Ave. Washington PA 15301 on November 17, 2026, from 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM.  A funeral service will take place on November 18, 2026, at the funeral home at 10:30AM with burial to follow at Washington Cemetery.