Irene Elizabeth Fausset

Irene Elizabeth Lefler Fausset was the fourth of six bright and comely daughters born to Mitchell and Theresa Marie Thiele Lefler. She was born and raised on a farm in Zephyrhills Florida where they raised chickens, mainly for eggs, cows, pigs and all types of vegetables. Extra vegetables were canned and sold at the local grocery. Mitchell drove much of the vegetables, eggs and meat to Tampa to sell at the Farmer’s Market and sometimes Irene would accompany him.

Mitchell Lefler was a teacher and often took young Irene to school with him. When it became time for her to start school she was well ahead of other children her age so she began school in the second grade. After graduating from high school at 16, she eventually made her way to Tampa and worked at Jackson Grain while she attended University of Tampa for one year.

Irene met Wayne Fausset on a blind date. Wayne showed up 30 minutes late, wearing a pink shirt and a flowered tie. Despite this shocking first impression, they fell in love and married in June 1948, after dating about a year and a half.

Irene and Wayne’s first home was a tiny trailer in Gainesville Florida. Irene worked as a secretary for the Dean of the Engineering School at University of Florida while Wayne earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. Wayne landed a job with a, then young, company called IBM and Irene became a home manager.

Wayne and Irene raised five bright and somewhat comely children – Glen, Carol, Tim, Thomas and Paula. In 1968 Irene started working in the insurance industry for Brandon Insurance and, later, Progressive Insurance. Beginning in the early 1970s while still working and after retirement in early 1980s, Wayne and Irene pulled their travel trailer around the US and Canada, camping in every National Park. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they traveled on their own to London and Paris. One of their most memorable trips in their later years was a cruise through the Panama Canal.

Irene had an infectious laugh. When she gathered with her sisters and they started telling stories and jokes, it was a total laughter fest that all of us enjoyed watching. Irene was always an excellent cook, seamstress and hand quilter. She also crocheted beautifully and was an avid reader. She almost single-handedly took care of Wayne in his final years. Just before Irene turned 90, she moved to independent living. She loved making new friends and not having to cook so much. She was always one the brightest and happiest residents in the complex. She participated in weekly Bible Study, Vespers, Exercise, Yoga and Tai Chi. She was always willing to give her time to others. She volunteered in the Thrift Store and ushered at Sunday night Vespers throughout her time there. Her keen memory and attention to detail was always with her. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation for Irene will be held Monday, October 10, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, followed by a funeral service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Irene's memory may be made to National Parks Conservation Association, PO Box 97202, Washington, Washington, D.C. 20077-7435 US.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Fausset family.