Irene Moore

Irene M. Moore had a vivacious spirit and contagious smile that could light up a room. She had a way about her that made others feel welcome and at ease, which helped her win many friends. Irene had experienced great joy and great loss, and had the ability to empathize with both. Throughout her life, Irene considered her family to be her greatest gift and blessing, and she cherished every moment in their company.

The decade of the “Roaring Twenties” was a fantastic period in our nation’s history, when the sounds of progress could be heard in every village and city across America. It was the birthplace of jazz, the golden age of industry, and above all, a time of plenty. For the family of Frank and Estelle (Sheppard) McGee of Cleveland, Ohio, it was a time of celebration as they delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Irene Marie, on March 31, 1926. Irene was the second youngest of four children: Jean, Marian, Irene and Jackie. She enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, growing up in the quiet suburbs of Cleveland. While her mother was a busy homemaker, her father earned a living working for the railroad. The family was members of the Catholic Church, and this devout upbringing would always be an important part of Irene’s life. Irene was a good student in school, and enjoyed being involved in athletic activities; however, she had rheumatic fever as a child and the lasting effects of it often kept her from participating.

Irene’s parents divorced when she was in her teens, and shortly after graduating from Lakewood High School, she moved to New York to live with her mother and stepfather. It wasn’t long before Irene was introduced to a handsome young man named Frank Zrimsek. As fate would have it, the two fell hopelessly in love, were happily married and had two beautiful daughters, Ellen and Daphne. While Frank worked to provide for the family, Irene stayed home and devoted herself to the role of a mother. She was a caring and attentive mother who took an active role in every phase of her girls’ lives. In 1966, life took a heartbreaking turn for Irene as she lost her beloved husband Frank. To stay busy, Irene went to work for a while at Borden’s in Randolph, New York as a secretary (and accounting). Then, in the late 1970s, Irene found love again with Lenard Moore and they were eventually married. Unfortunately, their union ended in divorce in 1992, and Lenard passed away shortly after.

For Irene, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she loved spending time with them. Irene also fostered a close relationship with her nieces and nephews who affectionately called her “Aunt Icky” because they couldn’t say “Mickey”, which is what Irene’s friends called her. Irene loved family get togethers, especially for the holidays – her favorite being Thanksgiving. She was always in her glory surrounded by the people who brought her life immeasurable joy. Naturally outgoing and charming, Irene filled a room with her presence and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. In fact, she was such a pleasure to be around it was often said she could become friends with a room full of strangers in a matter of minutes. Her great sense of humor never failed to put a smile on their faces.

Irene had many interests and hobbies to keep her busy in her leisure time. Her garden flourished under the care of her green thumb, and she canned much of the bounty. In her quieter moments, Irene loved to read, play cards, crochet and do old fashion rug hooking. She was active in her community as a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and the Eagles, as well as volunteering at the Vicksburg Community Center and Meals on Wheels. Her compassion and generosity touched many lives.

Irene passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, just short of her 86th birthday. Although she will be dearly missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Irene M. Moore, age 85 of Vicksburg died at Bronson Methodist Hospital on March 28, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg. She was preceded in death by her sisters Jean and Marian. She is survived by her daughters Ellen Yannie and Daphne Zrimsek, grandchildren Antoinette Yannie, Paul Joseph (Amelia Grover) Yannie, great grandchildren Isabella & Joshua and her sister Jackie. Please visit Irene’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to the Vicksburg District Library or TenderCare Westwood. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697)