Irene Barna Van Tassel passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Genesis-Laurelton Rehab Center in Brick. She was 96 years old.

Born in Port Reading, the youngest of 14 children, she resided there and in Woodbridge until 2004. She most recently resided at Chelsea Assisted Living in Manalapan.

A graduate of Woodbridge High School, Irene worked for Morey LaRue and the Pennsylvania Railroad during World War II; and later worked at Perth Amboy General Hospital and Revlon Corporation in Edison. She was also a longtime member of the Woodbridge Democratic Party where she was an active volunteer until her early 80's.

After World War II she married Edward Van Tassel. They resided in Port Reading, where she was one of the founding members of St. Anthony Rosary Society. They moved to Woodbridge Proper and became members of St. James Roman Catholic Church; where she has been a member of St. James Rosary Society for over 50 years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward T. Van Tassel, in 1995; sisters and brothers, Ted, Albert, Andrew, George, Frances, Michael, Josephine Kozcan, Anne Wahl and Mary Govelitz; grandson, Richard Chismar II; and sons in law, Richard Chismar and James Joyce.

Surviving are her daughters, Anita Holec (Sidney), Kathie Chismar and Maryann Lawton (Charlie); two granddaughters, Theresa Page (Derek) and Sandra Phillips (Chris); and great grandson, Matthew Patrick Phillips.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home ( www.costello-greiner.com ), 44 Green Street in Woodbridge . A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Woodbridge. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery, Hopelawn. Visitation hours will be on Wednesday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

An active reader, Irene was interested in all aspects of life, from politics to sports. She was blessed to enjoy all her interests with full awareness until her last few days. Her biggest pleasure was the company of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, we ask you instead to spend some extra time with your loved ones and think of her.