Irene R. Sanford

Irene Rose Sanford, 89, of Midland, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016 at Brittany Manor in Midland. Irene was the daughter of the late William and Etta (Beechum) Miner. She was born on December 23, 1926 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. In May 1942, Irene married Leonard Sanford. He predeceased her on August 1992 after nearly 50 years of marriage. She enjoyed raising her family, playing cards, reading, crocheting, cooking and baking. Irene was a member of The Eagles and Moose clubs of Midland.

Irene is survived by children: Darlene and Robert Prince of Midland, Terry and Ivan Bechtel of Melbourne, Florida, Mark and (Shirley) Sanford of Alma, and Carol and Bill Royce of Midland. In addition to her parents and husband, Irene was predeceased by her sons, Bruce, Larry, and Roger Sanford; brother Vasil, Ron, Kurt, Virgil, and Walter Miner; sisters Bernice Ford, Goldie Wojack, Olive Fritz and Syverine Roberts.

Irene grew up in Midland and worked as a waitress downtown at M & S Cafe. She was a loving daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend to many. She loved spending Sundays "gadding" as she called it, through town. Many who knew Irene well spoke of her infectious, bubbly personality and her witty jokes. She cared for and loved her seven children and 19 grandchildren and great grandchildren. She liked to spend time gardening at her home in Midland and host family get-togethers. Irene's birthday was right before Christmas, one of her favorite holidays, which she always spent surrounded by her family.

Irene loved deeply, laughed often and kept the Brittany Manor staff on their toes. They cared for her in the last few years of Irene's life and her family greatly appreciates the time they took to make her comfortable and happy.

A celebration of Irene's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2016, from Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials in Irene's name may be offered to Senior Services here in Midland. Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wilson MILLER Funeral Home
4210 N. Saginaw Rd
Midland, Michigan 48640

Wednesday, May 25, 2016
11:00 AM

Wilson MILLER Funeral Home
4210 N. Saginaw Rd
Midland, Michigan 48640