Irene Evelyn Norcross

1929 - 2019

June 25, 1929 - Jan. 26, 2019
Irene Evelyn Norcross, age 89, of Willow, passed away peacefully with her family by her side while at her winter home in Arizona. Irene was born in Regina Province of Saskatchewan, Canada on June 25, 1929, the daughter of Ruben and Mary (Puranto) Holt. Irene graduated from Egermont High School and then attended the Northern Alberta School of Technologies. Following her graduation, she married Thomas Lee Phillips and moved to Alaska. Irene and Thomas had two daughters, Jackie and Arlene; they later divorced. Irene was working in Anchorage when she met her husband of 56 years, James Norcross. They had two children, Jimmy and Diane. Irene loved the Alaska outdoor lifestyle - especially berry picking. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, pottery and making jewelry. She also enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends. She especially loved growing flowers. Furthermore, Irene loved her family and having her children and grandchildren gathered around her was her greatest joy - especially during the holidays. Irene was preceded in death by her mother, father and two brothers, Gene and Jack Holt. She is survived by her husband, James, and four children: daughters, Jackie (Jim) Hummel of Liberty, Illinois; Arlene (Larry) Phillips of Eagle River; son, Jimmy Norcross of Homer; daughter, Diane Norcross (partner Randy Brown) of Wasilla; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Allen, Bruce, Ruben and Jim Holt; sisters, Rita Whitehill and Juanita Purin and many nieces and nephews. At the request of the family, a private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Willow Historical and Wildlife Foundation, PO Box 388, Willow, AK 99688.