Iris Lorraine Westcott

Iris was the wife of Wendell Westcott, a renowned carillonneur who performed in MSU’s Beaumont Tower from the early 1950s to 2005.

Although Iris was content to play a supporting role to her husband during their 63 years of marriage, she was a remarkable woman in her own right, living a full and adventurous life.

Iris was the daughter of Michael and Hazel Walsh of Lansing. Iris demonstrated multiple interests and aptitudes from an early age. During high school, Iris learned to play the piano from her mother. She later learned to play the harp. Having been taught to swim by the lifeguards at the Moore’s River Park’s swimming pool, Iris became one of her high school’s best swimmers. At the Red Cedar Riding Stable in East Lansing, Iris learned to ride in both the English and Western styles. She perfected these skills at a ranch in Texas one summer. Not content with these accomplishments, Iris took flying lessons while still in high school and received her pilot’s license.

In 1946, at the age of 19, Iris served as a chaperone to two girls in her neighborhood who wanted to go to Hollywood to pursue careers in acting. While in Hollywood, Iris got a job at Universal Studios. Working at Universal Studios, Iris had the chance to meet John Wayne, who warmly introduced himself to everyone on set—a gesture she always remembered fondly. When the studio learned of her horseback riding skills, they offered her the role as an extra in a cowboy film. She turned it down, unwilling to risk a horse’s safety by galloping across a prairie at night, fearing it might step into a gopher hole and be injured. Her decision reflected the deep compassion for animals that she carried throughout her life.

After nearly a year in Hollywood, Iris returned to Lansing and enrolled at Michigan State University, where she pursued her passion for the arts and humanities through courses in painting, pottery, sculpture, Spanish, and French. She later earned a Master’s degree in elementary education and dedicated 23 years to teaching 1st grade at Potterville Elementary School, where she became a beloved and innovative educator.

Iris first met her future husband, Wendell, at Lansing Central Methodist Church in 1941, introduced by her grandmother. She sang in the choir until World War II began, when Wendell enlisted in the Army. After the war, they reconnected and married in March 1948, later welcoming two children, Gina and Alicia.

In the late 1950s, Iris and her family spent two years in Mechelen, Belgium, while Wendell attended the prestigious carillon school. During their time abroad, Iris had the rare opportunity to visit the prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux, France, before they were closed to the public—a moment that deepened her lifelong appreciation for art and history.

Iris was preceded in death by her daughter Alicia in 1994 and her husband Wendell in 2010. She is survived in Michigan by her daughter Gina, son-in-law David, two grandchildren, Rebekah and Michael, and nine great-grandchildren. In New York, she is survived by her son-in-law Bryan and granddaughter Gretchen. In Maryland, she is survived by her granddaughter Hester.

Iris will be remembered as a woman of passion, curiosity, and courage. She nurtured her talents and fearlessly pursued her interests, wherever they took her. In her own way, she helped pave the path for women seeking independent and fulfilling lives—whether society was ready for it or not.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 18, at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, from 10:00 to 11:00 and services will follow at 11:00 with Pastor Joseph Spackman officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Iris.