Thinking of Mom today and her adored cat Blackers Deary. Whenever she was in her garden (which was often) Blackers wasn’t far from her side. Miss you Mom💗

Growing up across the street from the Irwins was such a wonderful childhood. They were like second parents to me. I often went camping with them at Clear Lake. They taught me how to water ski. But mostly they taught me how to love nature and appreciate its beauty. Fern was fun loving and her laugh was infectious. I will always remember her smile and her warmth.  The world was blessed to have her on earth for 91 years. Heaven is lucky to have her as an angel. Love to all her family. ❤

One of my favorite memories as a child is camping with my grandparents. They would often take me on trips with their RV group. While grandpa was out fishing grandma and I would spend hours playing cards, listening to music, doing crafts, tide pooling if we were near the coast, and preparing dinner. I am forever grateful for the time I shared with my grandmother. 

I’ve been most blessed to count this women my Mother. She was complex, gregarious, fun loving, and without a doubt devoted to our family. She easily collected life long friendships. Laughing came easily to her and she loved to tell a joke and a story. Her and my Dad could cut rug - and when on the dance floor they easily drew a transfixed audience.  She had a green thump like no other - a trait carried onto her by my Grandfather. She loved cooking and baking for her family and was never afraid to try out a new recipe. I will always miss her pomegranate jelly - for I never managed that magic and it was not for the lack of trying. She was a true Craft Maker - who applied her endeavors to many forms of art - whether be a seamstress, basket maker, quilter or toy maker. I’m fortunate to be the benefactor of her many creations. But most of all she had the most amazing way with the written word. I’d like to share with you one of her poems that is so dear to me. It is so because I will forever hear her voice - telling me about the days she spent as a child dangling her feet in a brook on the family farm in Arkansas. I was a lucky girl to have such a loving Mother.

* WHERE ANGLES TREAD * By Geneva Fern Irwin *  

She sat upon a cool, gray rock that girl of nine * 
  eyes transfixed in wonder on a quiet brook * 
Water spilling into the clear depths was magic * 
  a gurgle, rebounding in bubbly effervescence * 
Toes touch the water’s edge, ripples quietly spread * the coolness sent shivers to her very soul * A dragonfly skipped the surface here, there
  taking flight it vanished she knew not where * 
Breezes sang in the treetops high, leaves danced, * birds ceased their cry, and there in wonder was I * Was this a magical place where angels tread * yes, and it was mine for I was that girl of nine. *

Fern and Rod worked at Fridens with my parents Tony and Bev. I remember the first two weeks of August the company would close for vacation and we would all head to Clear Lake with Don and Toni. We stayed at the Tiki Tiki in our campers and then the fun would begin. We had many wonderful memories of that place. I remember Fern, Toni and my Mom always entertained us with their goofiness and songs. I remember Fern’s laugh. It was contagious! Sure miss those days!

OBITUARY

Geneva Fern Irwin

April 27, 1930 – January 31, 2022

Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services