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BORN
1919
DIED
2016
Irene Gilbert Obituary
Irene Bridget (Fitzsimmons) Gilbert, 96, passed away in Arizona of natural causes on February 25, 2016. Surrounded by family, she went peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Irene was born on October 8, 1919, the daughter of Irving and Lucy (O'Bryan) Fitzsimmons. Irene was raised in Savoy, MT, and attended Harlem schools. At the age of 18, she married Lewis Clarence Gilbert on November 1, 1937. Together they ranched and farmed for nearly 70 years; the majority of that time was spent East of Harlem at Fort Belknap. In her later years, she resided in Great Falls, MT and Sun City, Arizona.
Irene's legacy was woven with generosity, love, hard work and a sweet faith in God. She was a prayerful lady, and with her loving spirit and kind heart, she touched the lives of many. She was a devoted wife and mother, a hands-on grandmother and a special aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Irene was an excellent homemaker and her meals were enjoyed by her family, friends and the occasional stranger who came to the door at dinnertime.
She loved going for rides, crossword puzzles, eating pie and ice cream and simply spending time with her family and friends. She kept spare money in her purse to dole out to children she happened to meet.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lewis; her parents; siblings: Paul, Jack, Lois, Rose Bernice, Janis and Ted. Her surviving sister, Mary Sanford lives in Helena, MT.
Irene is survived by her children: Kay (Jack) Howard of Fairfield, MT, Lewis Jr. of Great Falls, MT, Sandra Gilbert of Chandler, AZ, Susan (Ron) Grovom of Sun City, AZ, Phyllis of Sun City, AZ, Gwen (Jerry) Anderson of Power, MT, Bonnie (Mark) Josephson of Big Timber, MT, and her chosen daughter Mary Tobe (Jay) Whitaker of Great Falls, MT. Irene was blessed with 19 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
Her children enjoy knowing how joyful and free she is today in our glorious Heavenly Home. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." To each of you who shared a part of Irene's life, we love you. Special thanks to Newel Alcorn, a dear family friend who was also a devoted, caring helper in Irene's last years.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life is ongoing. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Harlem Cemetery. An informal reception will be held afterwards at the Harlem Senior citizen center. Memorial donations may be sent to the Bear Paw Hospice at 30 West 13th St. Havre, MT 59501
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irene Gilbert
Joanna Hamilton
May 1, 2016
My condolences to the entire Gilbert family. God bless.
April 29, 2016
Your Mother was a beautiful,caring lady with a contagious laugh. I have good memories of her friendship with our family. She raised a wonderful family and she will be missed.
EVelyn Gray Patterson
Ona IronMaker
April 28, 2016
Sending condolences from the IronMaker family. We used to live across the street from the Gilbert family in Harlem with Grandma Olive WindChief. Irene and Lewis leased some of our land down the valley. She was kind and thoughtful to everyone around her. Journey well, Irene...
Bernice Rismon
April 25, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gilbert family. Irene never knew a stranger, everyone was welcome at her home. she will be missed by many.
Linda Huso
April 23, 2016
I will always remember Aunt Irene with the fondest of memories. She was very loving and supportive
especially while growing up in Harlem. It was a joy to visit her home. She and Phyllis always made sure that you had something delicious to eat while there. Laughter and blessings filled the conversations, and hugs too of course. Now she joins our loved ones who share in Jesus's heavenly realm. Love and Blessings to all the family.
Linda Huso
April 23, 2016
I will always remember Aunt Irene with the fondest of memories. She was always very loving and supportive especially while growing up in Harlem.
Visiting at her home was a joy and of course she and Phyllis would make sure you had something delicious to eat while there. Laughter and blessings were part of the conversations, and hugs too of course. Now she shares Jesus's joy in that heavenly realm with all our loved ones gone before. Love and Blessings to all the family.
Mary Novak
April 22, 2016
Irene was a pretty neat lady! My mother Dorothy Briere and her were friends when they were younger.When i would travel from Mn to Mt to visit I would always stop to them in Harlem and she always fixed a snack for us.i was very sorry to hear of her passing,prayers for all the family..Mary Novak [ Cliff Johnsons Mother and Dustie Coopers grandmother ]
April 22, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May you continue to cherish the memories you have and remember that God is there for us like it tells us at 1 Peter 5:6,7. I hope you continue to feel the love and support from your family and friends.
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