Irene J. Elia, 95, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on August 21, 2026, at the Niagara Hospice House in Lockport where she received great care. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Albert, Sr. and Josephine (Eugeni) Elia.

Irene was affectionately known by all as “Aunt Renie” and she led a life devoted to family, faith and service. She attended local schools graduating from Niagara Falls High School in 1949 and went on to attend Niagara University where she was Magnum Cum Laude earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1953. Quite the scholar, she also received a Master’s degree in education from Canisius College, a Master’s degree in Hospital and Health Care Administration from St. Louis University, and her Ph.D. in Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also attended Duquesne University for Religion where she drove around Pittsburgh in her loaned Dodge Charger Daytona.

Irene began her stellar career as a registered nurse in obstetrics at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital where she later became the Hospital Administrator. She served as Director of Nursing Services in Niagara Falls, the Director of Research and Planning and Government Grants at Niagara University, President of Sevenson Capital Corporation in Niagara Falls and the Executive Director of the Health Association of Niagara County.

For the past 40 years, Irene was the owner of Sage Management and ITC Corporation that managed elderly housing complexes in Lewiston, Wilson and Middleport. She was a licensed real estate broker in New York State and a consultant advocating for organizations for the elderly.

Irene had a long history of involvement in community affairs, and she became the first female Mayor of Niagara Falls in 2000. She was proud of the many Boards that she served on such as the St. Peter’s School in Lewiston, where she had a playground dedicated in her name.

Irene was surrounded by her family in her last days at Hospice and is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. The last of her generation, she was predeceased by her siblings, Elena (late James) Darrow, Albert (late Anne) Elia. Jr., Alfred (late Josephine) Elia, Ida (late Carmen) Pino, Yolanda (late Arnold) Pieroni, Arthur (late Shirley) Elia and Alan (late Fedina) Elia. Irene also had two siblings that passed while very young of Scarlet Fever before she was born.

There will be no prior visitation. Irene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s R.C. Church, 620 Center Street in Lewiston, NY 14092. Interment will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Our Lady of Victory Basilica, 767 Ridge Road, Buffalo, NY 14218, https://www.olvbasilica.org/donations. “Aunt Renie” loved Father David as they developed a relationship when he was the pastor at St. Peter’s and it continued through his time at OLV.

Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.