Irene McDermed

Her life story is a beautiful one, and began after her family immigrated from Latvia to the United States. She was born on May 12, 1952 to Aleksandrs II and Margrieta Presnikovs in Ferrysburg, Michigan. Her formative years were spent in Saginaw where she spent her youth enjoying gymnastics and skiing up north. She graduated from Douglas MacArthur high school in 1970 and went on to receive her bachelors degree in education from Central Michigan University.

Irene started her teaching career in Portland Michigan teaching elementary physical education for over 25 years.

Portland is also where she met the love of her life, Ron McDermed. They married on November 20, 1976. Together, they have spent almost 50 years deeply in love, raised a family, spent every summer camping on Lake Michigan, traveled the world with friends and family, and stood by each other’s side. They epitomized what it means to be together through sickness and in health.

Irene and Ron raised their children in Cedar Springs, MI. She loved her family beyond measure. She never missed an opportunity to express her love and pride for her children Alina and Michael. As they were growing up she never missed a single sporting event, concert, or important moment in either of her children’s lives. She gave her children her sense of strength and independence and passed on to them a love for the outdoors and family. Irene was also a devoted Grandmother (Vecmāmina) to Claire. Ana, as Claire called her, spent countless hours crafting, playing and spoiling her only grandchild.

Another important family to Irene was her lifelong group camping family. It is rare to develop friends at a young age that you keep for a lifetime. And through that three generations of Group Campers will fondly remember “Queenie” and miss her beyond measure.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Aleks II and Margrieta; brother, Aleks Presnikovs III; and nephew, Aleks Presnikovs IV.

She is survived by her husband Ron McDermed; daughter Alina (Tom) Flowers; son Michael McDermed; sister Guna ( Dan) Griswold; niece Astrida Griswold; granddaughter Claire Flowers; step grandsons, Payton and Austin Flowers; close friend Bob Stevens; and her beloved group camping family.

A celebration of life will occur on June 3, 2023, at 1pm-4pm at Grand Haven Elks Lodge 15 S. 3rd Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Irene’s honor to support pancreatic cancer research through vai.org/support or the Sierra Club. If you would like to honor Irene in your own way, consider planting a flower in your garden or go rock hunting and enjoy the outdoors.

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