Irene Norris, 83

June 2, 1928 — Feb. 27, 2012

Irene Mary Norris (Kerlikowske), 83, of Berrien Center, was called to her Savior on Feb. 27, 2012, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Irene was born to Erich and Inez Kerlikowske on June 2, 1928, in Coloma. She attended Curtis Grade School in Coloma, Coloma High School, Benton Harbor Business College and would eventually graduate from Michigan State College in 1948 with a degree in home economics. While at Michigan State, she met Robert D.  Norris, who became her husband on Oct. 22, 1950. in S. Joseph. They were blessed with two children, Erich R. Norris and Connie I. Hughey (Norris).

Irene was not only a wife, mother, sister, homemaker and partner in Homestead Farms in Berrien Center, but was also active in many organizations throughout her life. In 1956, Irene became the first president of the Berrienettes, a local home economics extension group. She also was chairman of the county extension group for two years. She also was active at her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and chairman of ticket sales for the Swiss steak dinners, and the Women’s Fellowship. Irene also served as a school board member for six years for both National Country School in Berrien Center and Berrien Springs Public Schools, where she served as secretary. She was a 4-H leader for 14 years and received the Outstanding 4-H Leader award for Berrien County in 1977.  Irene was a volunteer and life member of the Berrien County Youth Fair, where she loved to plant flowers and sold tickets at the Grandstand Ticket Office for 60 years. She was also a member and former secretary of the Pleasant Hour Club. Irene loved being outdoors tending to her many flowers and vegetable garden. She loved to play Bingo, card games, read, shop, paint porcelain china, and collect antiques. Irene cherished her time with her family and friends, above all, and will be greatly missed.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Erich and Inez Kerlikowske, and sister Marion Koenigshof.

She is survived by her husband, Robert D. Norris; children, Erich R Norris and Connie I. (Richard, Sr.) Hughey; grandchildren, Alison I. (Dennis T.) Clifford (Hughey) and Richard J. Hughey, Jr.; great-grandson, Kellan E. Clifford; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life, officiated by Dr. Rev. Dan J. Smith, will be held Friday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Drive, St. Joseph.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitations will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to the Zion Evangelical UCC of St. Joseph, where Irene was a lifelong member, or to the Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs.

Those wishing to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.