Irene N. Haithcock

Irene was born on September 25, 1924 in Prairie du Rocher, IL to Edgar and Augusta (Blow) Nevois. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, James, Robert, William, Elmer, Mary Helen and Virginia. She is survived by her one sister, Mabel Whelan of Waterloo, IL.

Irene is also survived by her dear children, John (Diana) Haithcock of Pittsboro, NC, James (Jennifer) Haithcock of Ravenna, OH, Robert Haithcock of Debary, FL, Susan Lighttiser (former spouse, Matthew) of Debary, FL and Sandra (Corey) Creed of Greenville, SC.

Also surviving are her grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as Grandmother, Baba and Cookie Grandma: Justin Haithcock, Tyler Haithcock, Lisa Mancino Washington, Frank Mancino, Nick (Laura) Haithcock, Cody Haithcock, Connor Haithcock, Sam Lighttiser and Lauren Lighttiser; great-grandchildren, Jack, Rocco, Ally, Warren, Matthew and Luke.

Irene was born and raised in Prairie du Rocher, IL alongside her parents and many siblings.

She attended nursing school in St. Louis, MO, and became a nurse and proudly joined the United States Navy. As a naval nurse, her military service was activated during the Korean War. It was during this time, she met her future husband, Charles Haithcock. They had 5 children while living in North Carolina and Florida. They later divorced in 1966. She spent her career as a registered nurse at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, FL, caring for countless patients over the years. She was devoted to her career, all while raising her five children. Upon retirement, she spent many years volunteering her time at the Braille & Talking Book Library in Daytona Beach.

She loved ice skating, traveling with her daughter, Susan, baking cookies, working on jigsaw puzzles, gardening and visiting lighthouses. She loved all animals, especially her many doggie grandkids. She thoroughly enjoyed reading. Although private, she was extremely devoted to her faith and was forever dedicated to her family. Above all else, she cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service for Irene will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:30 P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Prairie du Rocher, IL.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held that evening, Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway W, Belleville, IL, 62223.

Memorial Donations made in Mom’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.