Irene A. Mehling

Irene A. Mehling, age 90, a loving mother, grandmother, godmother, and friend, passed away in Plattsburgh, NY on August 1, 2026, with family by her side. Irene was a remarkable woman and was equally dedicated to her family, career as a nurse, and Catholic faith.

Irene was born in Queens, NY, on October 16, 1935, the daughter of the late William Kling and Mary Brosnan Kling. She graduated from Our Lady of Wisdom High School in Ozone Park, NY in 1953 as Valedictorian. After which she attended St. Catherine’s Hospital School of Nursing in Bushwick Brooklyn, graduating in 1956.
In 1957, she married Kevin Damian Mehling, settling in Kew Gardens, NY. Their family grew to include five children. A devoted mother and wife, in 1967, the young family moved to Oklahoma while her husband pursued a PhD. During their time there, Irene supported her family by working several nursing jobs. After her husband’s graduation the family returned to New York, settling in Chappaqua.

Irene had a storied career as a nurse, starting as a floor nurse and in 1969 scrubbing in for cutting edge open-heart surgery. As her career progressed, she moved to administrative nursing positions, where she excelled, becoming Vice President of Clinical Services at Phelps Memorial Hospital in North Tarrytown, NY. Eventually she worked as a nursing home administrator for Schnurmacher Nursing Home in White Plains, New York. She also was an adjunct professor at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY.
Irene was known for her remarkable energy, and balanced the demands of work, family, and continued education with ease. In 1975, Irene earned her bachelor’s degree from Pace University, the same year her oldest graduated from high school. In 1982, Irene went on to earn her master’s in health care management systems from Iona College.
Irene was a committed Catholic. After retirement she continued to work part-time in the infirmary at the Dominican Convent in Blauvelt, NY.
Later in life she became an associate with the sisters of Saint Dominic in Blauvelt, NY. She taught 4th grade religion and was a Eucharistic minister. She was immensely proud to be part of the Dominican family, and spoke often of her community in Blauvelt, who were ever-present in her life. Her Catholic faith was strong and was evident in her daily life, especially as she knew she would be reunited with those who went before her.

Irene had a generous heart with all she met. She loved to travel and did so often throughout her life. She enjoyed the theater and music and was often at Lincoln Center for concerts when the family lived in Chappaqua, NY. While she lived in Ohio she was involved with the League of Women Voters. However, her most beloved pastime was gathering with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Irene worked well into her seventies and when she permanently retired, she moved to Bowling Green, Ohio to be nearer to her eldest daughter, Diane. She moved back to New York, when her eyesight began to fail, with her daughter, Donna, in Plattsburgh, NY. Most recently, she lived at Victory Place in Plattsburgh; a home she absolutely adored and allowed her to be as independent as possible until her final days. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Victory Place for the love and care she received there.
Survivors include her four children Diane Mehling (Bowling Green, Ohio), Kevin D. Mehling Jr. and Magda Lee (Sarasota, FL and London, England), Donna and John LaRocque (Plattsburgh, NY), and Deborah Mehling (Sarasota, FL). Also survived by Donna and John’s children; Tara Smith and her husband Demetri Mechelis (Takoma Park, MD), Ryan Smith, Patrick LaRocque (Manhattan), MacKenzie LaRocque, Olivia LaRocque, and Quinn LaRocque. Extended family includes her godson and nephew, Brian Ciulla (Pensacola, FL) and niece, Danise Segreto (Manorville, NY).

Along with her parents she was predeceased by her infant son, Stephen Mehling, grandson, Eric LaRocque and her former husband, Kevin D. Mehling Sr.
Calling hours will be held on Monday August 10 from 11:30 to 1pm at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street Plattsburgh, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Victory Plattsburgh NY @ 1:30pm. A memorial Mass will be held in Blauvelt at a future date. Burial will be at the family plot in Queens, NY at the convenience of the family.
A reception following Mass will be held at the home of Donna and John LaRocque 25 Crescent Drive Plattsburgh following services.