Irmengard Maria Britton

On June 16, 2020, Irmengard Maria Britton passed away peacefully at age 88 after a brief illness. Irma was born in Regensburg, Germany to Otto and Maria Karl. Irma came of age during World War II. She became a United States citizen in 1951. Irma was married to Keith Britton in 1961, and they lived together in Kansas City up to the time she passed. Irma is survived by her husband, Keith, daughter Kimberly (Randy) and beloved 16-year-old grandson, Charlie. She was predeceased by her son, George Zierdt.

Irma was known in the family as an excellent cook, making homemade soups, noodles, pies and cakes from scratch. She embraced her German heritage, and could make amazing Schweinebraten mit Knodel, or in English, roast pork with dumplings. She also taught her daughter how to make her legendary warm German potato salad. Irma was also a former member of the Germania Club of Kansas City.

Irma also was a talented seamstress, making many of her daughter clothes when she was younger. Irma enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She made beautiful afghans as gifts to friends and family. Irma also enjoyed gardening. She had a green thumb with growing flowers and vegetables of all types.

Irma’s beautiful singing voice was not known many, but she loved singing old standards from the 1940’s and 1950’s. She also loved dancing to waltzes, especially when she could dance with friends and family during her multiple trips back home to Germany.

Irma filled her home with love, laughter, silliness and fun. She was always ready with a smart aleck comeback. But when the chips were down, there was no more loyal a friend. Her friends knew her as a kind, patient listener, offering her down-to-earth wisdom when asked. But if her feathers got ruffled, you knew you were in trouble when she started with her trademark phrase, “Now let me tell you something . . . .”

Irma loved shopping, especially the marathon holiday shopping trips with her daughter. In years past, they would be gone on Black Friday from dawn to dusk. One time they were gone so long that Irma’s husband, Keith, got worried and almost called the police to report a missing person!

Irma was also an animal lover and was staunchly against cruelty to animals. A friend once said that when they pass, they wanted to come back as her dog.

Irma was a devoted mother to Kim, and a doting grandmother to Charlie. She selflessly provided him day care during his first year home so her daughter could return to work.

Irma had a faith in God demonstrated by helping others, whether it be giving a friend a ride, delivering a meal or sending homemade chicken noodle soup when her grown daughter had a cold. She was often the hands and feet of Jesus, but in her modesty, she would shrug it off as nothing. In truth, she was really something. Irma leaves behind family and friends who are better off because of her influence.

Flowers are welcome or if preferred, please make a tribute donation in Irma's name to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care at kchospice.org/donation.