Iris Marie Wellem

Iris Geoffrion Wellem passed away suddenly at the age of 91 on November 8, 2020 at her home in Atlanta, GA. She was born July 13, 1929 in Mount Vernon, New York, the first child of Charles and Marie Geoffrion. She was a depression era child and spent many happy days with her younger sister Emilie growing up in the New York City suburbs of Westchester County.

Upon her graduation from Mount Vernon’s A.B. Davis high school in 1947 she attended secretarial school then worked for McCall’s magazine in NYC at Rockefeller Center. She loved working downtown and going to restaurants and plays with her many friends and co-workers.

On the 22nd day of August, 1954, Iris married the love of her life, Ronald James Wellem, at the Church of Saint Catherine in Pelham, NY.

Iris was passionate about her church, Holy Cross, and was a dedicated volunteer. She was very active in the Nottaway Garden Club and her prowess was evident in both her front and back yards. She loved hosting bridge parties and laughing with friends; was an avid bowler, culminating with a trip to Reno for a national tournament. Another great joy of hers was attending the numerous activities of her children and grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed her participation as a volunteer preceding, and then during, the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. But, perhaps her proudest achievement was when she became “Oma” (German for Grandma) in 1994.

Iris was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, her sister, Emilie, her parents Charles and Marie, and her nephew John.

She is survived by her son Jim, grandsons Jack and Sean, Jack’s mom Elaine, son Richard, son Paul and his wife Carol, grandchildren Jarred and McClaine, daughter Nancy, husband Wayne, granddaughter Ansley Iris, grandson Austin, daughter Laura, grandson Shane, great Granddaughter Isabella, and dog Harper. Finally, her much loved nieces and nephews, Chuck, Andy, Matt, Ellen, Julia and their spouses and children.

Iris will always be remembered for her smile, her laugh and her love for family and friends. Perhaps granddaughter McClaine’s words say it best…

Mother Iris

There was always something

about her that made us bloom.

The sound of her laugh.

The sunshine in her smile.

She never needed us

The way we needed her.

She was always the soil.

Now she can be the flower.

Due to the Covid pandemic, no service will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date.

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers a donation may be made in her name to Iris’ favorite charity, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home in Atlanta, GA