Irene M. Close

February 15, 1928 – November 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Irene Close on November 23, 2024, at the age of 96. Irene passed away at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 15, 1928, in Fardam, Gotland, Sweden, Irene was the cherished daughter of Dagmar and Karl Axel Westrom. In 1929, Irene and her mother departed Sweden to join her father in the United States, arriving in New York on June 4. The family first settled in Kearny, New Jersey, before moving to West Orange, where Irene grew up and met the love of her life, Franklin Close. The two married on August 14, 1948, and built a loving home together on Crystal Avenue.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Franklin, and her parents, Dagmar and Karl Axel. Irene leaves behind a legacy of love through her five children—Cindy, Billy, Donna, Eric, and Karl—as well as her twelve grandchildren—Christopher, Leigha, Michelle, Carolyn, Crystal, Andrew, Cory, Alyson, Samantha, Kevin, Dominique and Grace—and eight great-grandchildren, with another on the way.

Her gentle spirit, enduring love, and the beautiful memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation for Irene will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. A committal will occur Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Restland Memorial Park, 79 Deforest Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936.