Irene E. Summers

Irene E. Summers

January 18, 1926 – February 25, 2022

Irene passed away peacefully, having lived a life rich in faith and in appreciation of God’s blessings.

Preceded in death by parents, Hazel and William Good; brother, Charles; sister, Ethel; husband of 48 years, Wayne Jr.; daughter, Carol; son, William.
Survived by daughter and spouse Sybil (Glen); son-in-law, Kerry; daughter-in-law, Susan; grandchildren: Deanna, Brett, Kara, Jenna and Matthew.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, March 12th, 10:30am at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 11615 I Street, Omaha.  Private Family Interment.  Memorials are suggested to Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and American Cancer Society.

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Irene was born on January 18, 1926, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and despite moving away to attend college at Moore Art Institute in Philadelphia, she never lost her attraction for her hometown.  Each August she would happily tune her television to the Little League World Series and watch the “boys’’ play baseball.

Irene’s degree was in Textile Design and her first job took her to New York City, New York where she designed fabric.  It was the beginning of a lifelong love of all things artistic.  While in New York, Irene attended a Halloween party as Dopey, and there she met her future husband, Wayne. They were married in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on September 1, 1951.

Wayne’s job took them to Decatur, Alabama, where she was involved with Girl Scouts, church, bridge clubs and helping at the kids’ schools, children’s dance and other programs.

The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri briefly before relocating to Omaha, Nebraska in 1968, where they raised three children, Carol, Sybil and Bill. Irene continued to be involved with Scouts, church, gardening, sewing and playing bridge.

In 1971, Wayne and Irene bought Ames Hobby House.  She worked in the store and taught painting and craft classes.  Irene was excited to be able to share her artistic talents with others while teaching. 

After retiring in 1988, Wayne and Irene enjoyed traveling, often with their camper, and spending time with their grandchildren, Deanna, Brett and Kara, Jenna and Matthew.

When Wayne passed away in 1999, Irene became more involved with church activities at King of Kings Lutheran Church, bridge groups, growing flowers and tomatoes in her backyard and traveling.  Irene became a loyal Huskers football fan, and she enjoyed many Saturdays with friends watching the games.

She loved cooking, and the family enjoyed her rib roasts during the holidays. She made a delicious Beef Wellington and numerous Jell-O recipes. 

Irene never lost her love of arts and crafts. She created many Easter and Christmas decorations, paintings of landscapes and flowers, and was adept at quilting.  Her love for color and design showed in the clothing and jewelry she wore.

After suffering a broken hip in March 2020, Irene moved into Heritage Pointe Assisted Living, quickly made friends and became a regular at bingo, site-seeing trips around Omaha and going to activities with friends. Irene persevered through numerous quarantines caused by Covid, but she stayed positive and had a great attitude. 

Irene lived a full life, turning 96 in January.  She was determined to remain independent, and she succeeded.  Irene wanted to do things for herself and not rely on others.  She had a strong faith in Christ that helped her deal with the deaths of her husband and two adult children.  Irene will be greatly missed by her family and friends as she was a wonderful wife, mom, Grammy, and friend to many.