GLADSTONE — Irene C. Waeghe, age 99, Gladstone, died peacefully at Lakeview Assisted Living in Kipling, MI on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 .
Irene was born June 3, 1925, in Munising, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Blanche Sowa. She and her husband Jerome (Dick) Waeghe had resided in Gladstone since their marriage on August 5, 1950.
Irene was a long-time member of All Saints Church in Gladstone, and enjoyed attending services, bible studies and other parish activities. Irene had a strong faith in God, and believed in the power of the Holy Rosary. Irene was a part-time retail clerk at the former J. C. Penney store in Gladstone from 1961 until her retirement in 1987. She loved to meet new people and to help customers and friends find what they needed or wanted. She made many friends and acquaintances during her time in Gladstone and with Penney’s. She and her husband had been members of the Gladstone Yacht Club and the Mead Paper Rod & Gun Club. She loved taking boat rides, fishing and snowmobiling on Little Bay de Noc and around area.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome (2002); her parents, Charles (1959) and Blanche (Pearsic) Sowa (1983); her sister, Frances in 2008; her brothers, Edward (Ann) Sowa in 2019; and James (Suzanne) Sowa in 1998. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas J. Waeghe (Mary Lou) of Wilmington, Delaware; two grandsons, Joseph and Jeffrey. Irene is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces on both sides of the family.
Irene’s family would like to thank the owners and employees of New Dahn Rising Adult Foster Care home in Gladstone for her stay from October 2021 through May 2024; the owners and staff of Lakeview Assisted Living and the nurses and staff of UP Home and Health Hospice for their care and kindness.
A private burial will be held in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells Twp. A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date. The Skradski Family Funeral Home of Gladstone has been assisting the family with arrangements.
John & Treasa Sowa - Munising, Mi
God Bless you Aunt Irene. We love you.
Cindy Cartwright - Rapid River , Mi
You will be missed Irene. She and my Mom were lifelong friends, originally both from Munising and working many years together at J C Penney’s. Our family shared many holidays with Irene, she was always so happy and pleasant to be with. In her later years she was still very sharp and shared many Gladstone memories. I’m sure my Mom met you at the Pearly Gates with open arms. Bless you Irene.
Rich Salo - Grand Rapids, MI
So sorry to hear! Prayers for you and your family Tom. My parents always said what great neighbors they were. I agree!
Rich Salo - Grand Rapids, MI
So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. Many prayers to you and your family Tom. I have many memories of her and can still see her sitting in the front porch watching who is going in and out of Pat and Jim’s! My parents always said what great neighbors they were and I have to agree!!
Nancy & Tim LeGault - Gladstone, MI
Dear Tom, Mary Lou, Joseph & Jeffrey,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
You had one of the best moms/mother-in-laws/grandmothers around.
She was so proud of each one of you.
Irene was one of the nicest people in Gladstone. Everybody liked her.
We will remember her with great fondness.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Thinking about you.
Sincerely,
Nancy & Tim LeGault
Donna MARIE AIRD - Gladstone, MI
Dear Tom and family, My prayers are with you. I became friends with Irene through playing Bridge in 1967 and thought she was so sweet, gentle and kind. I have many happy thoughts and memories of her. Donna Aird
Janet (Labre) Bruno - Gladstone, MI
She was truly a class act with a big heart!