Irene’s life began on May 2, 1909, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Jessie and Maud (Stretch) Townsend.

She was united in marriage to Louis Phelps in 1936 in Coldwater.  Irene and Louis owned and operated a floral shop and greenhouse in Royal Oakfor many years.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Dowagiac.

Her greatest joy was her family, which includes her brother DeWain Townsend of Dowagiac, nieces and nephews LeWain (Donald) Crandall of Portland, Mich., Colleen (W. Richard) Thoreen of Lake Mary, Fla., Weldon (Kathy) Townsend of Brant, Mich., Larry (Diana) Townsend of Charlotte, Mich., Jesse (Margie) Townsend of Dowagiac and Jackie (Patrick) Leets of Niles.

Irene passed away at 102 at her Dowagiac home on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis, and sister, Nita Swett.  Private graveside services will be held at Dewey Cemetery at a later date.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving her family.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory at www.yazel-clark.com.