Irene L. Whitehouse Willey

Dear Irene, Our family so loved you. The mention of your name always brings smiles and a thankful feeling to have been blessed with your presence in our lives. Josh and Shea knew they had the absolute best first grade teacher while Chip and I said thankful prayers that you were teaching and guiding our sons in their first year (and their parents!!) You understood those little ones and had a way of getting your finger on the heartbeat of every child in the class. You would quietly give...

Irene will be tremendously missed. She was one of the first friends I made at Maple Avenue and checked on me every day to make sure I was all set, as a first time teacher there. Her love of children and the teaching process inspired me to be the best teacher I could be. She will certainly be missed and I offer my sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Dear Irene, Mrs. Willey, "Viola Swamp"....:)

You were such an angel to this mom sending off her little girl (Katie) to first grade. I remember and still have your kind note sent home one day when she was missing me....your loving and caring nature made it all a bit easier. What a fine example of teacher you were! I treasure the story of VS, your insight on children learning to read, and my yard full of your pachysandra gift in 1983. I am so grateful Kate and I had the opportunity to...

To Miss Viola Swamp, my first grade teacher. You will be missed.

Todd Fischer

I will always have wonderful memories of Irene, she was a wonderful person. I remember the times spent at the beach when I was little. All the times I swam beside the boat as Irene would row, the fun times on the swim raft, and Irene always letting me have it my way. I would only eat frosted flakes, hot dogs and mac and chesse. If I didn't want to brush my hair that day then I didn't have to. I was so happy to see her Thanksgiving of 2007, after so many years. It was a trip down memory...

Irene, What a gift to this world you have been! The best teacher I ever met. You made a difference in so many lives, especially mine! Thank you! Thirty eight years ago I met one of my "fun" best friends- Love ya kiddo and will certainly miss you.Connie Gault

Aunt Peg and Uncle Harry:
My condolances and prayers for Irene. I remember her visiting with my Mom when we would stop by your parents house when going to the lake in the summer.

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I READ OF IRENE'S PASSING
SHE WAS A VERY CREATIVE TEACHER WITH A GREAT SINCE OF HUMOR. HER INTERACTION WITH FACAULTY AND STUDENTS WAS SECOND TO NONE. SHE WAS ALSO MY FRIEND. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY. LEON COTE PRINCIPAL BARTLETT SCHOOL (RETIRED)

Mrs. Willey:
When I was a small child you were always working in your garden. I remember particularly that you had bleeding hearts by the "barn". Oh, how I loved those bleeding hearts. I think you helped instill in me a love for gardening. As an adult I joined the Garden Club and the Beautification Commission. I am a well respected in the gardening community here in Ohio and I grow big, beautiful bleeding hearts. You shall be forever remember by me when I see them in the...