Irene S. Groth, 86, passed on 2.22.22, the day of angels. Born in Hillman County, Minnesota, her family moved to Leesburg, Florida when she was 12. She graduated from Leesburg High School and received a scholarship for her talent playing the flute to Stetson University, where she met the love of her life, Charlie, in the band. They were married in 1954 and moved to Chattanooga, TN where their two children were born. They lived in Jacksonville, Florida for over 20 years, then moved to Plano TX, Clearwater FL, Dallas TX, and back to Clearwater, and had summer homes first in Mars Hill, then Lansing, and finally Waynesville, NC.
Irene was an OB-GYN nurse, very passionate about caring for the mommies of newborns. She was instrumental in beginning the first hospital-based education program for young mothers in Jacksonville, and at the hospital where she worked, developed and ran a free clinic for unwed mothers. She was always active in her local churches, serving on boards and committees in several capacities. Irene loved gardening, cooking, and laughing. She always had a kind word for her friends and she “never met a stranger.” She always saw the best in people and found ways to make them feel special, because they were all special to her.
She was predeceased by her parents, Christ and Loretta Schommer, her husband Charles Groth, one sister, Arlice Strickland, her son Andrew Groth, and one grandson, Patrick Butterbrodt.
Irene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and John Butterbrodt of New Tazewell, TN, her grandson and his wife, Michael and Cassie Butterbrodt, and four grandchildren, Kodi, James, Kali, and Kash, all of Jacksonville, FL. She is also survived by her sister Jane Bolling of Charlotte, NC, two brothers and their wives, Ted and Louise Schommer and Cliff and Diana Schommer, all of Merritt Island, FL, many nieces and nephews, a host of dear friends, and her church family.
A celebration of her life will be held at New Tazewell United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 12, at 5:00 pm, followed by a covered dish dinner reception in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to New Tazewell United Methodist Church, PO Box 36, New Tazewell, TN 37824.
