BERNADINE IRWIN

BERNADINE IRWIN Born October 19, 1923, in Arpin, Wisconsin; passed away on September 23, 2010, in Loma Linda, California. She was a source of love for thousands. Her compassion, generosity, and dedication were an inspiration for her family, friends, and students. Shortly before her death, she sang, "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Jesus, all the day long." Those words were descriptive of her Godly life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, George Irwin. She is mourned by her two daughters, Evonne Long-Gonzalez and Bernadine Irwin, Jr.; her grandchildren, Marcus Long and Rachelle Bennie; and her great grandchildren, Brielle Bennie, Melia Bennie, Ashlyn Bennie and Chloe Long. She is also survived by her brother, Virgil Mayer and her sister, Geraldine Nay. Her daughter Bernadine wrote the following poem: Oh, Mama! My first memories of you are as those of a brilliant rose. I'd open my eyes and gaze in wonder at your beauty. Your color was never that of a pale flower. You were always the most vibrant red rose, The same shade you sometimes wore in your hair, Contrasting exquisitely against your brunette tresses. My memories are of one who could sing like an angel, Notes always crystal clear in pitch and rich in timbre. You always sang with passion, be it lullaby or love song. In fact, looking back, your lullabies always were love songs. So, too, were your hymns, anthems of adoration they were. When you sang the song, "Because" at weddings. I knew it was to Daddy you sang. "Because you come to me with lots of love, I hold your hand and lift mine eyes above. With wideness in the world I see, Because you come to me." But later, precious Mama, even as I still rejoiced in your presence, My heart broke a little each time I saw you. For each time, I watched you fade a little. No longer were you a brilliant red rose. You became more of a pale pastel. No less beautiful than when you first stole Daddy's heart. You hair was still lovely, thick as ever; Yet the soft amber was mixed with silver. Your voice touched my heart even more deeply than before. You no longer had the former vibrancy, volume, and heart stirring passion, You sang more softly, yet still with true pitch. But, as I saw you breathe more feebly, You were like an aging pump organ, One whose billows were almost too weary to go on. Now your petals have fallen, and your voice is stilled. But, precious Mama, I know that when you again see Daddy, Your color will come back with greater brilliance than ever. Your voice will break forth, stronger than ever. And as you sing, you will gaze into Jesus' eyes. This time your song will be The Love Song of Eternity. Private Services were held October 3, 2010, with Burial following at Montecito Memorial Park.