Edie was my mentor and supervising professor when I was in the Elementary Intern Program at MSU.  I credit her with a solid start to my teaching career, which lasted 33 years.  We kept in contact a bit over the years via Christmas letters, and I just learned of her passing when this year's card was returned.  She was a special person, so supportive and positive, who touched so many lives.

Ms Ireland was such a treasure; she was intelligent, compassionate, energetic, and the epitome of a life-long learner.  She expertly juggled family, work, friends, travel, and activities to live an exceptional life.  Edie was a dynamic force in the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to connect with her. No matter how much time passed between visits, the friendship and respect never lessened.  Only a few formative years of working together but we never lost touch.  We had a wonderful visit in Jan 2012.  Memories of her will always remain in my heart and soul.  She positively touched/influenced so very many lives.  Anna Mae (Steinberger) Clark, North Las Vegas, NV 89084

Edith was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Central School.  

In a visit with her several months before her passing she revealed to me that she had wanted to teach fourth grade and each year made a request to the administration which was denied.  They came to her at the end of my third grade year and told her that if she would follow our class to fourth grade that she could thereafter teach fourth!  

She so appreciated former students staying in touch with her.  She would always bring me up to date on everyone.

My fondest memory of her as a student was an invitation to stop over to her apartment with several other girls.  When we arrived she made a big bowl of whipped cream and handed each of a spoon!  She knew how to make every child feel special and is certainly responsible for my love of reading and lifelong learning.

She will be dearly missed by many.

I had Miss Ireland for 3rd & 4th grades at Central School back in the mid-fifties.  She was always a kind & caring teacher who knew how to bring out the best in her students.  I saw her in more recent years in East Lansing, having lived here since 1984....she always looked well & seemed energetic.  She, of course, was quick to remember the two years I had her as a teacher, and I was quick to thank her for those two wonderful years......She will be remembered fondly by many, I am sure!!!

Linda Strandness Gregorian

Edie was truly a great lady and a gifted teacher.  I learned so much from her during my elementary intern year in East Lansing and in the years following when our friendship continued.  She touched the lives of many, many students during her lifetime, and the world is a better place because of her.
                                                         Sue Ziara

I was fortunate enough to be in my early stages of teaching in East Lansing when Edie was with the MSU Intern Program.  She always had  support, words of wisdom and a smile for ALL of us; even those of us who were not directly involved in her program.  She was a treasure for all of us.

Miss Ireland was my fourth grade teacher at Central School.  I have such wonderful memories of her as my teacher.  As the years passed she became Edie, my friend.  She was a close friend of my mother's so I spent time with her through the years when I visited East Lansing.  She was such a lovely and endearing person.  I will miss her when I go home.
Jane Hinkle Gibson

I will miss you Miss Ireland but you have always been in my heart.

I will miss you Miss Ireland.  Miss Ireland was my 3 and 4th grade teacher and I was so excited when I heard that I would have her again for a teacher in 4th Grade at Central School.  I and all your students have not forgotten you and I will hold you in my heart forever.

What a blessing Edith was to countless people - especially her students! I, also, have raved about her being my favorite teacher!  It was a privilege to have been one of her Central School students as well as a friend over these many years.  She will be greatly missed, but held close in memory!

I had the good fortune to know and work with Edie when I taught in the East Lansing schools in the late 1960's and early 1970's. She placed some of her EIP students in my classroom and later I worked with her as a consultant in the program. Edie was an exemplary professional role model for me and a dear and admired friend. Anne Gross

Lucky me, three... Miss Ireland was my third grade teacher at Central School in East Lansing. She was my favorite teacher of all time. She treated us with such respect kindness and love. I also remember her whistling as she moved around the room. 
Eddie and my Mother became good friends so I visited with her off and on for years on return trips to EL.

There was no finer teacher than Miss Ireland.  All of her students will remember her fondly, and we were so fortunate to have had her influence in our young lives.

Miss Ireland was the best teacher I ever had. She revealed the wonder of reading. She will always be in my heart.

Lucky me, too...Miss Ireland was my 4th grade teacher at Central School in 1962.  The BEST teacher I ever had.  Wonderful memories of her, and of Central.

Lucky me...I was her pupil in both 3rd and 4th grade at Central School. She was a treasure. I especially remember being treated to her excellent whistling, if we were good students! She remained a friend of my mother's (Jane Noble) and I enjoyed catching up with her on a recent visit to EL. I am a better person for having known and been taught by her...and I wish I could be with you for her services. Please give my best to Ginny.  Sally Noble Spaulding, Santa Rosa, CA

Miss Ireland is one of the teachers I remember with great fondness at Central School.  Not only an expert teacher, but also a lovely person.  Nancy Bennett, Brookline

Miss Ireland would come to my 5th grade class at Winans Elementary to show us slides of her travels and teach us songs.  We looked forward to her visits.  She was knowledgeable and kind...God Bless Her!

Eddie has been a long time friend of my mother, Marian Tesar, also of East Lansing and a Peoples Church member.  Now living at Burcham Hills.

I always was glad to see Eddie, and hear stories of travels and friends at the University Club 1st Thursday fashion shows that I attended with my Mom and her friends.

Happy and chipper in all things, a great friend and soul.

Miss Ireland was my 5th  grade teacher at Central Elementary School in East Lansing 1959. One of the best. Thank you.
Margaret Seyffert Hehr

OBITUARY

Edith Lucile Ireland

September 6, 1922 – March 22, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services