Irene E. Sobers

Irene Elizabeth Sobers (nee Clem), born February 25, 1932 in Frederick MD, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022 at her son’s home in Northern Virginia. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene was born to father Raymond Clem and mother Edith in Frederick Maryland, into a family of nine siblings.

Irene was an athlete at her high school in Walkersville Maryland, competing in basketball and softball. After graduating, Irene worked at Masser’s Hotel & Restaurant in Frederick Maryland, and then as a telephone operator at Camp Detrick, where she met her future husband Robert Sobers (deceased). They were married on July 21, 1951 in Bob’s hometown of Lansford Pennsylvania. Irene was a dutiful and dedicated Army wife until Bob’s retirement in 1967. As an Army wife, she and their family were stationed at West Point, Panama, Alabama, Washington state, and Alaska. Her favorite Army memories were dancing the night away at the NCO club, playing bingo and cards during their time stationed in Panama, coaching the Green Darts softball team in Ft. McClellan, Alabama, and being a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader in Ft. Lewis, Washington and Ft. Richardson, Alaska. After Bob’s retirement, the family settled in Norwich, New York.

Irene worked at the Norwich School District cafeteria in the Perry Brown Elementary School for over 35 years until her retirement in December 2009. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Norwich, and a member for over 55 years in Chapter 367 Order of the State of New York Eastern Star. Irene had a great love of sports and was a longtime Yankees fan. She took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters. She loved playing Bingo and card games and Yahtzee. She especially loved being “Nana Claus” to her family at Christmas and spending time with grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Irene is survived by three married children: her son, Jim Sobers and daughter-in-law Marie of Bristow Virginia; her daughter, Loretta Motto and son-in-law Vic of Odenton Maryland; and her daughter, Linda Sobers and son-in-law Bill Haisch of St. Petersburg Florida. Irene is also survived by six grandchildren: Shane Sobers (and wife Kira) of Fairfax Virginia, Laura Szupinka (and husband Chris) of Bristow Virginia, Brad Schmit (and wife Jessica) of Gainesville Florida, Megan Eriksen (and husband Tom) of Prosper Texas, Kyle Motto (and wife Emily) of Shady Side Maryland, and Renee Bailey (and husband Josh) of Crofton Maryland; nine great-grandchildren: Erica and Ethan Szupinka, Gabe, Abby and Izzy Schmit, Alta and Andrew Sobers, Elle Eriksen, and Charlotte Motto.

Irene was truly one of a kind; she left behind a legacy of love in her family and life-long friendships. She will be in our hearts forever.

Irene’s family welcomes all her friends and acquaintances to join us for calling hours from 11:00 to noon on November 12th, 2022 at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home: 116 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815, followed by a funeral service officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeremy Stopford. Burial will take place at the North Norwich Cemetery.

The Sobers family would welcome flowers, or donations in Irene’s name made to veteran’s organizations (such as Disabled American Veterans or Wounded Warrior), or donations to the American Cancer Society.