Irene H. Bentz

Irene H. Bentz, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home in Morrisville, PA, on December 11, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on January 2, 1940, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, she dedicated her life to caring for others as a wife, mother and friend and in her profession as a Registered Nurse.

After graduating 8th Grade at Holy Trinity School and St. Mary’s High School, both in Perth Amboy, NJ she completed a 3-year course at St. Peter’s General Hospital School of Nursing in New Brunswick. She went on to obtain her BSN and RN from the University of Pennsylvania, then worked as an Operating Room Nurse at HUP, before being tapped to become a Nurse Educator at HUP. She continued her career with follow-on positions teaching at Holy Family College in Northeast Philadelphia, going on to obtain her MSN from Villanova University, teaching at Northeast Hospital School of Nursing, Helene Fuld School of Nursing in Trenton and finally ending an impressive 40-year career at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton. She touched the lives of countless students and colleagues with her compassion and dedication. Her commitment to education and the nursing profession echoed throughout her long career.

Irene's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devout Catholic and a strong proponent of Catholic education. A committed parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, she frequently received the sacraments and took great joy in witnessing her family learn and grow in the faith. She was very devoted to praying the Rosary and to Our Lady. In her younger years, she was a cherished member of the Sodality at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. While she was at Penn, she was very active in the Newman Center, a place that formed many lifelong friendships and where she met her beloved husband John. Their courtship and that of others who she helped to become married were stories she never tired of telling! 

In her spare time, Irene was devoted to the pursuits of the mind - reading, study, debate, history and solving crossword puzzles. She found peace in gardening and taking walks, while comedy movies brought her much delight and laughter. She enjoyed being a part of a lunch group with her neighbors – colloquially known as “the Valley Girls Lunch Club”, where friendships blossomed over food and laughter. And last but not least – she loved playing the part of “Matchmaker!”

Irene is survived by her loving family, including her son, John C. Bentz, Jr., and his wife Joanie of Yardley, PA; her daughter Amy and son-in-law Brad Holmsten of Chadds Ford, PA; her sister Lydia Romond of Metuchen, NJ; and her eight cherished grandchildren: Kolbe, Anna, Rebecca, Nicholas, Zachary, Gabrielle (Stefan), Michaela, and Raphaela. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Dr. John C. Bentz, Sr., with whom she shared 56 beautiful years of marriage. Their love was an enduring example of partnership and devotion that continues to inspire all who knew them.

Irene’s life will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 752 Big Oak Road, Morrisville, PA, 19067. A visitation will be held on December 16, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The Mass will livestreamed and can be viewed at https://stjohnpa.org/live-stream-mass/  She will then be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Trenton, NJ, during a committal service set to begin at 12:00 PM.

Her indominable spirit, vibrant personality, sense of humor and unwavering faith have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. While she will be dearly missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, reminding us all to embrace life with the same warmth and dedication she embodied every day. Irene said many times that her greatest wish was for Jesus to tell her at the end of her life: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a memorial contribution, in Irene's name, to St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 752 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville, PA 19067

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel.