Irene Hathaway

Irene S. Hathaway was born April 3, 1936 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Ludwig and Anna (Lang) Schiele and passed away December 3, 2015 at the age of 79. In 1954, Irene enrolled at Michigan State College where she studied Textiles, Clothing, Related Arts and Retailing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 1958 and went on to earn her Master of Arts in Family Economics from Michigan State University in 1974. In 1956, Irene met the love of her life, Chuck, while on a blind date and in 1960 they married and began their life together. They spent 36 years in Williamston, MI raising their two children, Bill and Anne. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. In 1996, Irene retired from MSU Extension after 22 years of dedicated service. Her many achievements include two John Hannah Awards for Outstanding Extension Programming for the development of the 1977 Dollar Watch Computer Program and 1992 Michigan Initiative. Many will recall Irene always having multiple projects underway. When her children were young she spent considerable time using wonderful fabrics and Vogue patterns to sew clothing. Over the years her interests included mosaics, decoupage, silk ribbon embroidery, silk painting, smocking and dried flower arranging. Her mosaics were a passion for many years, ranging from vases and votives to large glass windows. In retirement, Irene and Chuck moved to East Lansing, which allowed them to stay active in the MSU and Greater Lansing Community. Chuck and Irene spent their summers at their cottage in Manistee where they enjoyed the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. She treasured time crafting, cooking, and talking with her granddaughters, Katelyn and Allison. Winters were spent in Stuart, Florida with family and friends. Irene’s grace, love of life and tenacity will be greatly missed. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; Ludwig and Anna Schiele; grandson, Alexander Tooley; sister, Milly Neuder, and brother-in-law, Carlton Brown. Surviving to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Charles; children, Anne (Eric) Tooley, Bill (Kris) Hathaway; granddaughters, Katelyn and Allison Tooley; in-laws, Louis Neuder, David (Mary) Hathaway, Ann Kimball, Nancy Brown, and Myra (Rudy) Hirzel. Irene also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. The family will receive family and friends 1 hour prior to the service. For those desiring, contributions may be made in memory of Irene to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48915; The Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health System Office of Development, 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or to University Lutheran Church, Choir Scholarships, 1020 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.