Irene Mae (Smith) Fassett

Irene Mae (Smith) Fassett, age 91, of Hesperia, MI. and Port Charlotte, FL., passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 after a long illness. 

Irene was born on January 12, 1931 at home in Bitely, Michigan to George W. and Audrey (Wright) Smith.  After moving to Hesperia, MI. Irene met and married the love of her life, S.R. (George) Fassett.  They were married for 74 years before he preceded her in death. 

Irene was a devoted wife to George and a loving mother and grandmother to her 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.  She absolutely loved holding and rocking her babies!

In her mid-life, Irene decided to become a cosmetologist.  After receiving her license, she owned and operated her own hair salon in Hesperia for many years.  When Irene and George moved to Port Charlotte, FL. she continued to work at a local hair salon until she retired at the age of 72 years “young”.

Irene never sat idle.  If she wasn’t working, cooking, or cleaning, she would be baking something.  She loved to bake and was well known for her delicious homemade bread and cinnamon rolls.  Irene loved baking for her large family!

Irene is survived by all seven of her children:  Randy (Laura) Fassett, Karen (Randy) Hren, Cynthia (Richard) Myers, Richard (Diane) Fassett, Mary (Martin) Reed, Susan Armour, Gregory (Virginia) Fassett; along with her many grandchildren.  Irene is also survived by her loving brother Harold Smith, and by many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Irene in death are her husband, S.R. (George) Fassett; her 2 brothers, Wilbur (Gladys) Smith and George “June” (Doris) Smith; her sister-in-law, Helen “Tous” Smith; her nieces, Kathy (Smith) Cober and Peggy (Smith) Rosema; and Irene’s life long, best friend Audrey “June” (Neil) Kennedy. 

A private family memorial for Irene will be held at a later date.  For a lasting memorial for Irene, please donate to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice in Irene’s name.              

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