Irma Linda Rohde

Irma Linda Rohde, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away on February 14, 2026. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Altenbach; father, Arthur Altenbach; sister, Ann Marie “Snookie” Manthey; aunt, Irmagard Altenbach.

Irma's full name was Irma Linda Teresa Altenbach Rohde. She was born in New York, New York on January 16, 1948, and was raised in the Catholic faith. She had a deep, internal love for God. Irma graduated from Madison Township High School in New Jersey.

She was a private person with a hard outer crust and a warm, soft and loving heart. Everyone she met fell in love with her instantly and loved her no-nonsense approach to life. She lived her life with independence, dignity and quiet strength. She was straight forward, didn't mince words and was unapologetic for it. This was believed to be one of her most commendable, and highly respected traits.

She was married to her husband, Doug, for 14 days less than 60 years after only knowing him for two months before the marriage. Doug loves her with all of his heart and admits that it was her inner strength that was the secret to their longevity. She raised three children, Lynette, Thom and Jason; four grandchildren, Robbie, Billie, Timmie and Forrest; four great-grandchildren, Ally, Russell, Billy and Charlie. She loved each and every one deeply. Her youngest son, Jason, was born with Down Syndrome and she cherished him with all her heart from the day he was born.

Irma loved reading, bird watching, and hearing about new things and researching them. Spending time at home, hearing children laugh, vacationing, and spending time with her family brought her so much joy.

In her final months, she kept a very informal log in which she stated "So thankful for the people who have helped us through this. Pastor (Reverend Edward Hopkins), Ronda (Williams), Nan (Steele), Alexis (Steele), Lisa (Steele), Dee (Viscount), Derek (Holash) and all the emails from those who love us; Lynette (Sprague), Thom (Rohde), Billy (Sprague), Robbie (Sprague), Timmie (Sprague), Amy (Hilton), and Anita (Saberon)". She also grew very close to Maria Roco who was a friend who was there for her when she needed a friend to talk to even while Maria was going through her own medical difficulties.

In her log she also talked about a very happy memory of a trip to Richmond which included a stay at a "fancy" hotel, a limo driver and a show featuring an international comedian received as a Christmas gift from her son, Thom.

Locally, Irma worked as a clerk at a Swan Dry Cleaners where many of her customers embraced her and called her friend. She loved the relationship she had with them. Several years ago, Irma had a serious accident and when her customers heard about it, they came to her home and brought her flowers and cards and food and money, etc. to help her through that difficult time. Irma held dear, one customer in particular, Suzie Henry, who continues to this day, to come by the house and bring cookies and other goodies that she's made.

Irma was so grateful to her friends, Reverend Edward Hopkins and Ronda Williams of Wellspring United Methodist Church in Williamsburg who were two of the leaders of the Knights Academy at the church. The Academy has done so many wonderful things for her son, Jason and many others with intellectual disabilities. She would like others to be aware and recognize their work.

The Knights' Academy is a ministry sponsored and hosted by Wellspring United Methodist Church. The Academy offers opportunities for Christian learning and fellowship for people with intellectual disabilities. The group meets in the Worship and Gathering spaces of Wellspring on the second and fourth Monday of every month from 7:00-8:30 PM.

Irma is survived by her husband, Douglas Rohde; sons, Thomas A. Rohde and Jason G. Rohde; daughter, Lynette M. Sprague; grandchildren, Robbie, Billie, Timmie, and Forrest; great-grandchildren, Ally, Russell, Billy, and Charlie; siblings, Mary Lynn, Anita, and Arthur; dear friends, Lisa and Alexis Steele, Maria Roco, Dee Viscount, and Derek Holash; and beloved pet, Bo.

A memorial will be held to celebrate Irma's life at The Wellspring United Methodist Church at 4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Family and close friends are invited. She never liked "Pomp and Circumstance", but for those who are not attending, but would like to join in the celebration, the memorial will be presented live on YouTube where comments and memories can be shared and embraced in real time. www.youtube.com/@wellspringumc

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to the Knights' Academy, for the benefit of the continuation and growth of the Academy in the name of Irma L. Rohde through Wellspring United Methodist Church, located at 4871 Longhill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188.