Irene M. Battista (Shula), age 97, passed away March 25, 2023, at Hospice House of Western Reserve, Cleveland.  She was born on February 14, 1926, in Grand River, O., daughter of Dan and Mary Shula. She is survived by daughters Karen (Chuck) Roman, and Kim (Al) Kozak. She was a devoted grandmother of Jeff (Shelly) Roman, Jennifer (Chris) Kevane, Adam (Bobbie) Newsome, Julie (Ryan) Plescia, Kelly (Grant) Brodahl, and Jessica (Joe) Mucic.  She enjoyed all of her great grandchildren; Joshua Roman, Olivia Roman, Jack Roman, Noah Roman, Roman Seghetti, Sam DiMartino, Gianna Plescia, Adriana Plescia, Aubrey Newsome, Angie Newsome, Ava Newsome, CJ Kevane, Logan Rebecca Brodahl and sister Jeannette Moroz and brother James Shula.  Mrs. Battista was preceded in death by the loss of her husband of 69 years Leonard F. Battista, daughter Becky Battista (Newsome) and infant son Gary, as well as sisters Josephine and Jane Shula and brothers Joe and Don Shula.

Mrs. Battista was an employee of Ohio Bell for thirty three years.  She and her husband were founding members of St. Bede the Venerable Parish.

Mrs. Battista enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren and traveling with her husband. She enjoyed cheering on the Miami Dolphins attending many games and watching at home. She also enjoyed all of her pets, especially her cat Kitty.

A funeral Mass will take place on Friday, March 31, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bede the Venerable Parish, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, Ohio.  Friends may visit in the chapel of the church from 10:00-10:45 a.m.  A private burial for family members will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Painesville.

The Battista Family would like to acknowledge Hospice of Western Reserve nurses and aides for the care given to Mrs. Battista during her illness as well as those who took care of her at home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110 or St. Bede the Venerable Parish, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, Ohio 44060.

Hospice of the Western Reserve
P O Box 72101, Cleveland OH 44192

St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church
9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor OH 44060