Irene M. Williams

It is amazing how often Irene pops into my mind. After all these years I still remember the times we shopped, baked, laughed and cried together. I see her so much in her wonderful sons. Their strength, sense of humour and kindness always shines through. She would be so proud.

I miss this wonderful woman. She taught me so much as a young married woman. I think of her quite a lot. Especially at holidays. I see so much of her in her sons. She is with us still. ❤

Irene might be gone but she will never be forgotten

Irene - I miss you every day. I think of all I learned from you as a young wife. All the fun we had and i smile....

Gone but never ever forgotten ❤

Dear beloved American Artist:
I am fortunate to have one of your paintings. Would have liked to ask you if the landscaping in the painting, the
Mountains, cabin, and a person walking his horse is the image of your town.
Thank you for your legacy of Beauty thru Art.
Thanking your dear sisters for
this page where people who honor you can send you love in eternal light.
Go in peace and make Heaven more artistic if that is possible!

As many of you know, January 24th was Irene's birthday.
I can imagine the party: Surrounded by legions of old & new friends, she'd pass out great big pieces of a wonderful cake she made (and you know it'd be delicious) saying isn't it great how nobody has to worry about the size of their butts anymore. Smiling that beautiful smile, she'd say, as she so often did, that her cake was "made with love". As was everything else she touched in her life.

Happy Birthday, Irene. Love you, miss you.

Wishing a safe, healthy, blessed 2011 to all,
Nancy Tenpas Henthorn (sister # 2)

I MISS YOU


XOXOXO

Dear Skip, Damon and Ryan,
It is so difficult to put in words how my family felt after hearing of the loss of my very good friend, Irene. My memories of Irene have been always so special. She was the first person I met when we moved to Lake Tranquility. I still remember the day she introduced herself to me. I knew at that time we would be very good friends.
Over the years Irene and I were very close. She was like a second Mom to my son, Brian. Always there to welcome him in her home when he was playing with you, Damon. Even though many years have passed, you will always be one of Brian's closest friends. I still remember your birthday party, Damon, when a special guest arrived... Spiderman. Brian was so excited! You both had so much fun together... bicycle shows, school activities, ice hockey, etc. etc. etc. We all have so many fond memories of our great times together.
Finally, I would like to say that Irene truly touched the hearts of so many people. She was one of the most loving, talented and caring persons I have ever known. Since Irene's passing, there hasn't been a day I haven't thought of her. I feel truly blessed that I was able to know such a wonderful person. She will truly be missed, but will always be in my heart.
Thank you, Irene, for all you've done. We'll always love you.
Janet, Don, Brian and Michelle

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO SAY IRENE IS ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS & WE MISS HER SO VERY MUCH !!!

Shortly after I was diagnosed with cancer, Irene made a trip back to Long Valley Middle School. In her hands she carried a pink t-shirt, with the word 'Survivor' printed in large, black letters on the front. On the back of the shirt was a definition of what a survivor is. Irene epitomized the essence of survivorship. She did not give up in the face of adversity, she did not stop looking for answers, and she did not expect the world to feel sorry for her. She was a person of amazing strength and dignity.

Irene has been a source of great comfort to me through my own journey. So typical of her, her greatest happiness was in helping others--whether it be her family, friends, or someone she barely knew. Her sense of humor that found its way into her later emails was such a tribute to her essence---her true being. I'd like to think I could be that brave and good, but somehow, I doubt it. Irene was special. She knew how to make magic when the world seemed very dark. Perhaps her greatest feat is that she truly is a survivor---she lives in all of us.

When I wear my pink Survivor t-shirt now, it will be even more meaningful. Irene, without question, has shown me how to survive. She is my hero.

Sandy Fyke

Dear Skippy, Damon, Ryan, Chili, Amber, Maddie, and all those who were touched by Irene:
There are so many thoughts that float through my mind as I write these words about Irene. These words cannot express the profound grief I feel that I can't see her and talk to her "in person." However, mere words also do not express the joy of knowing she is still there to see when I close my eyes and talk to in my heart. I do this often as I know she is still there listening (and sometimes answering ~ a lot) as she always was for me when she was here on Earth.
I am the person I am today because of Irene. Strong, proud, fair, loving, determined, stubborn...to name a few of the traits that we four Tenpas girls share. She was so proud of my accomplishments both personally and professionally; so determined for me to succeed; so loving and kind toward my daughters, Dave, and me.
I miss her so… with all my love, heart, and soul.
Michele

Cal, Damon, and Ryan,

I send you my prayers and sympathy.

Irene, truly was a gift to all our hearts. From the first day I walked into my teaching job in Long Valley to the day Irene retired, she was one of the reasons I loved going to work everyday. Her love of children, the gift of her friendship and her unconditional willingness to always be there for someone, is what made her so wonderful.

I remember coming into my room and finding little gifts on my desk, a flower, a pin, a copy of a recipe (we all know she was a great cook), and I knew they were from Irene...given just to brighten up my day! She made us smile all the time, and still does. I always think about Irene when I see beautiful children's books. She loved the illustrations!

She truly loved the men in her life. Cal, Damon and Ryan, you were her gifts. When she talked about your accomplishments, she was so proud of you.

Having know Irene, was a blessing.

Patti Paradiso

As a moth to a flame, I was drawn to Irene's loving warmth, as she introduced herself during our breast cancer support group, The Treasure Chests. What a treasure she was with her willingness to participagte in our varied activities and sharing her creative talents. We soon found we had much in common and enjoyed swapping stories...especially our sons. We both have two very unique young men. I've had the pleasure of meeting Damon and Ryan and can see Irene's special glow within them. She spoke so lovingly of all her family...Cal, boys, sisters. I will treasure my memories of my friend Irene and hold them close to my heart. I will miss her dearly.

Dear Skip, Damon & Ryan,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you! Billy and I were so saddened to hear of Irene's passing. She was a wonderful, talented, caring and great neighbor for more then 20 years. She loved life, but most of all, her family! She will be deeply missed and never forgotten in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Love to all ...
Bill and Rena Clift

Skip, Damon & Ryan~ With our deepest sympathy. This is a terrible loss for all who were blessed to be touched by Irene. We all loved Irene with everything we had and she will be missed. She will remain in our thoughts & prayers FOREVER!!

To the Williams family,
It was my pleasure to work with your mother. She taught me what I know about pedagogy, patience, and finding love for (and from) every child. It is in her honor I go back to school after the new year to rekindle those feelings once again.

Ryan and Damon - I want you to know that your mother and I spent hours talking about both of you and especially of her love for her boys.

Carl - you were not only her mate in marriage, but in her soul.

Irene's sisters - I have heard from your beginnings at you reformed chirch as children to your cancer walks as adults. I am sorry that you lost your sister in such a tragic way. It seems too early to split you up.

I grieve for my loss but especially for all of you. You were Irene's life, love, joy, and comfort. Always remember that in your hearts.

My mother was a power of example that people could really connect with. She is gone and my heart aches in a way I've never felt before. Whenever I was faced with a problem I knew I could turn to her for support and toward the end she even realized what she did and did not have power over. I love the way she lived and how she chose to help others. Her creative talents and warm heart were available to anyone who wanted them. I was able to experience her journey in connecting with a spiritual life that really shined. It is truly a gift when a man like myself can say, "my mother taught me all there is to know about love, patience, hope and strength." There is a beautiful future for all of us who consider what can be done to help others and a lovely spirit to guide us on that path.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. My mother loved to love. She was not only my mother, but the best friend I ever had. When someone needed her, she was there without question. The people that knew her and loved her are truly blessed. Her grace and dedication toward the ones she loved will live on through us all. I am grateful and honored to be her son. I will miss her always.
Thank you all. Her first baby.

I had the pleasure of meeting Irene through my mom. Irene was always a pleasure to be around and I appreciated the love and support she provided my mom and family during our time of need. She had a softness about her.

So sorry for the loss of Irene. Our family has so many wonderful memories of her that we will always cherish ! Our hearts & thoughts are with Skip, Damon & Ryan during this very difficult time ! See you guys soon ! xoxo

To the Williams family for whom I always felt a part of the family. Taking care of the boys at a young age and seeing them grow up to be young men. Irene you will be missed. I was very fortunate having a sister that lived next to you and getting to know the family. God Bless you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Cal and family. Please accept our heart felt sorrow of Irene's passing on. Please know that Jo and I are and will continue to keep Irene in our prayers that she will be happy in her eternal life.

Tom and Jo High
(Jo is Barb Andrew's sister)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.