Irene C. Waeghe

Irene C. Waeghe

GLADSTONE — Irene C. Waeghe, age 99, Gladstone, died peacefully at Lakeview Assisted Living in Kipling, Mich. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 .

Irene was born June 3, 1925, in Munising, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Blanche Sowa. She and her husband Jerome (Dick) Waeghe had resided in Gladstone since their marriage on August 5, 1950.

Irene was a long-time member of All Saints Church in Gladstone, and enjoyed attending services, Bible studies and other parish activities. Irene had a strong faith in God, and believed in the power of the Holy Rosary. Irene was a part-time retail clerk at the former J. C. Penney store in Gladstone from 1961 until her retirement in 1987. She loved to meet new people and to help customers and friends find what they needed or wanted. She made many friends and acquaintances during her time in Gladstone and with Penney’s. She and her husband had been members of the Gladstone Yacht Club and the Mead Paper Rod & Gun Club. She loved taking boat rides, fishing and snowmobiling on Little Bay de Noc and around area.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome (2002); her parents, Charles (1959) and Blanche (Pearsic) Sowa (1983); her sister, Frances in 2008; her brothers, Edward (Ann) Sowa in 2019; and James (Suzanne) Sowa in 1998. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas J. Waeghe (Mary Lou) of Wilmington, Delaware; two grandsons, Joseph and Jeffrey. Irene is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces on both sides of the family.

Irene’s family would like to thank the owners and employees of New Dahn Rising Adult Foster Care home in Gladstone for her stay from October 2021 through May 2024; the owners and staff of Lakeview Assisted Living and the nurses and staff of UP Home and Health Hospice for their care and kindness.

A private burial will be held in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells Township. A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date. The Skradski Family Funeral Home of Gladstone has been assisting the family with arrangements.