Irene Love

Irene Love, of Ft Myers Florida, formerly of Clarkston Michigan, passed away unexpectedly, in Ft Myers on March 12, 2018, Age 66. Beloved Wife of Richard Love. Adoring “Nanny” to Harper Petersen, Austen Petersen, and Isaac Hiro. Loving Mom to Kaitlin (Russell) Petersen, Lindsay (Russell) Hiro, and Meredith Russell. Daughter of John and Roberta Thomas of Clarkston, Michigan. Sister to Paul Thomas, Dan Thomas, and Elaine Andrade.
Irene graduated from Clarkston High School, and raised her family in Clarkston with her ex-husband, James Russell. After her divorce, she met her loving husband, Rich Love, of Ft Myers Florida, also formerly of Clarkston. After a fairy tale romance that flourished despite the distance, they married and moved to Florida in 1998. It had always been her dream to live in Florida, and she loved Ft Myers: the weather, the palm trees, the Gulf, and all the shopping! But, she always considered Clarkston her home, and they returned to the area every summer for the past 10 years. They resided at Clearwater Campground in Ortonville in their motorhome; spending the summers surrounded by family and friends. Irene loved to bake and cook. She was an avid reader, and loved History. But above all, she loved spending time with her sweet grand babies. She made her home and her motorhome the most fun, relaxing, and enjoyable place that anyone could ever be.
Irene worked for many years in Clarkston Schools as a Paraprofessional. She enjoyed her work in the schools very much because she was still able to spend lots of time with her girls as they were growing up. After moving to Florida she began working for Collier County Schools, also as a Paraprofessional, and later accepting a position as Assistant to the Athletic Director; a job she truly loved, and spoke of very highly. She retired from Collier Schools in December of 2016.
Her love for all of her extended family and her great friends was immeasurable. She knew everyone’s birthdays, had monogrammed baby blankets made for every one she knew, and would bake special desserts for people as often as possible, for no other reason than a casual get together. If she knew you liked a certain pie or cake or cookie, you could bet on her making it for you every time she had you over. Her recipe collection was immense, and her secret ingredient was Love.
She will be incredibly missed by all of her loved ones. Her passing was untimely, unfair, and has been extremely difficult to accept. A Memorial will take place on June 23rd at a private residence. Her family and friends have planned a party, to remember her spirit, her care, and her radiance. Invitations to this event have been mailed. If you would like information about attending, and did not receive an invitation, please contact her sister Elaine Andrade at etandrade0609@gmail.com

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