Teresa Irelan, 86, of Port Orange, FL, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully in her sleep, early Friday morning, August 11, 2023. She was born October 15, 1936 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of Martin and Orise (La Fleur) Desmond. Teresa married a charming airman, the love of her life, her knight in shining armor, Earl “Jim” James Irelan on November 27, 1954 in Sioux City, IA. After Jim completed his military service, they relocated to Rockford, IL. She worked as a key punch operator at various industrial companies and First National Bank for many years until becoming a team truck driver for Roberts Express/Fed Ex with her husband, Jim. They had the time of their lives traveling throughout the United States, visiting various places until his death in 2000. Teresa continued to drive solo until she retired and her favorite place to stop and visit while on the road was the Precious Moments Park and Chapel in Missouri. A devout Christian, she was a member of the 1st Church of the Nazarene in Rockford until moving to Florida in December of 2015. Teresa enjoyed reading her Bible and a wide variety of books, crocheting, count-n-cross stitch, playing board and card games, and adding to her Precious Moments figurines collection. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family sacrificially and unconditionally. She adored her grand and great grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Teresa was loved more each day by her family and dear friends, and will be deeply missed. Even in grief, her family takes joy in knowing she is reunited with loved ones and they will join her in Eternity.
She is survived by six of her children: James Irelan of Rockford, Jerry Irelan of Rockford, Katherine (Irelan) Currey of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Karen (Jeff) Baron of Monument, CO, Jeff Irelan of Rockford and Jason Irelan of Orange City, FL; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sisters, Marion Bennett of Sioux City, IA and Elaine Holzer of Spokane, WA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim, son Joseph Irelan of El Paso, TX, great-grandchild Elliott Orfield of Albuquerque, NM, and eight siblings.
A second funeral service will be held at 1st Church of the Nazarene, 4503 Charles St, Rockford, IL 61108 on September 2nd, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a visitation to be held from 10:00-10:55 just prior to the service the same day. The first funeral service was held at Volusia Memorial Funeral home at 4815 South Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32129 on Thursday, August 17th, 2023.
Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence, please visit www.Sunsetfhmemgardens.com
