Halina Irving, 83

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WOODLAND HILLS, CALIF. – Halina Irving died Jan. 25 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of John Irving for 62 years. Born in Krakow, Poland, a daughter of the late Herman and Sarah (Barach) Semmel, Halina was a child holocaust survivor and lived in hiding during World War II in Hungary, and subsequently in Prague and Brussels, before coming to America in 1951. A documentary about her experiences during the war – "Hiding Halina" – was produced in 2008.

After receiving a master’s degree in French literature at UCLA and teaching French there for several years, she discontinued her studies to raise a family. She later resumed her education and enjoyed a long and successful career as a psychotherapist. A breast cancer survivor herself, she worked extensively with Vital Options, a support group for young cancer survivors, served as the resident therapist for "The Group Room," a weekly radio program for cancer survivors, and led numerous therapy groups for people dealing with grief and loss. She had lived in Cumberland since 2018, previously residing in Woodland Hills for nearly 60 years. 

She was devoted mother of Eric Irving and his wife, Alexandra, of Cumberland and Will Irving and his wife, Josie Faass, of Hopewell Township, New Jersey. She was the dear sister of the late Stephanie Semmel. She was the loving grandmother of Jackson, Matthew, Julia and Spencer. 

Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 181 Putnam Pike, Johnston, RI 02919. 

obituary, Halina Irving