She was born on February 12, 1926 to Henry C. and Wilhelmina (Altenburg) Ward in Brooklyn, NY, during a blizzard that she liked to remind us was so severe that the doctor had to stay overnight. She married her childhood friend who used to dip her braids in the school desk inkwell, Bill Gropp, on December 7, 1947 in St. Albans, NY.
Irene is survived by her son, Wayne, his wife, Jan and daughter, Wenda Shereos and her husband, William. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Joel (Kelcey), Jonathan (Abbey), Jenine and Jason (Heather) as well as nine great-grandchildren, Ezekiel, Lincoln, Eliza, Emelia, Jianna, Lucy, Isla, Jedidiah and Landon.
Irene, known for her friendly spirit, was skilled at all kinds of sewing and needlecrafts. She eagerly acted in and made costumes for local theater performances for the whole family. Camping vacations were embraced as a way to see our country and learn history. She was recognized for her service in teaching home skills in Nassau County, NY, as well as serving along with Bill in founding and leading a Kiwanis chapter in Springfield, IL. She loved family events and keeping in touch with her distant family members. She and Bill were active members of their churches in NY and Springfield.
Irene lived an abiding faith in Jesus Christ and in recent health crises expressed her desire to be at home with Him.
A memorial service will be held at Heritage Church at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way in Round Lake Beach, Illinois on December 28 beginning at 6:30pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Gropp family.
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