Irene Valshtein

Irene Valshtein, 61, passed away on July 27, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania following her brave battle with breast cancer and lymphoma. Born on September 25, 1963, in Leningrad of the USSR, Irene brought a vibrant and fearless spirit into the world—one that would define her life and leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Irene earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Rutgers University, a fitting pursuit for someone whose creativity knew no bounds. Her passion for the arts extended far beyond the classroom; she immersed herself in museums, music, theater, and culinary exploration. Whether she was creating something with her hands or savoring a new dish, Irene approached life with an artist’s eye and an adventurer’s heart.

Those closest to Irene knew her as beautiful, highly creative, opinionated, and decisive. She was witty and feisty, and she had a clear perspective on life–from her unmistakable sense of style to what it meant to be a woman, she was strong-willed, graceful, and wild yet grounded. Her point of view guided her choices and inspired those around her. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Jim; her sons Tim and Jeremy; Tim’s wife Ana; and her parents Semyon and Elena. Each of them carries forward pieces of Irene’s indomitable spirit.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to support breast cancer research, especially related to recurrence. A few excellent options:

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

https://www.bcrf.org

National Breast Cancer Foundation

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer

https://www.lbbc.org