Irene Ina Anthony

Irene had many accomplishments in life, beginning with multiple childhood surgeries from cerebral palsy. She had 13 surgeries by 18 years of age, many including regaining the use of her legs with physical therapy starting in the pool to braces to finally living life without them. During this time, she had the love and support of her parents and five siblings, her Detroit Finnish community, which included the Detroit Finnish Co-operative Summer Camp Association. She loved school and had favorite teachers and stories she shared with her family.

Irene always had close friends and family members for whom she cared deeply. Up until her 90’s people sought her out for her understanding, sharing their problems and joys with her. She became a caring individual full of grace and understanding.

Her early accomplishments included attending the University of Chicago during wartime, graduating in three years instead of four. Although she did not become a doctor she was a Lab Technician who worked with patients, but she particularly enjoyed the microscopic analysis. She was always curious and had a thirst for knowledge.

She had many friends and helped start a Detroit organization for disabled persons which included many men wounded in World War II. She continued to be active there through the early part of her marriage and child rearing days.

She took many trips with friends before marriage and was contemplating moving to Alaska to live and work there when she met Mike Anthony. They fell in love, Mike was smitten from the first meeting, had five children, ran a business; convenience store. All the while her faith and leading her life in that way was the most important to her. Irene taught Sunday school for 20 years, two generations of the church community. She became the first woman president of the United Church of Christ council in Taylor, Michigan.

Irene was also active in Girl Scouts; she was co-leader of her daughter’s busy troops. She volunteered in children’s classrooms and was always a chaperone for field outings. She was the bookkeeper for their family business and after her children were older, helped oversee the deli section of the store. Irene was party of a busy chapter of Kiwanis volunteering and she and Mike had many memorable trips with that group of good friends. And though they had busy full lives, Irene and Mike were always affectionate towards each other. They had almost 30 years together.

She flourished during her grandma years, bringing with her the knowledge of her years of parenting. She always respected the parental boundaries and instead enjoyed spending time with each grandchild. She read books they read, she attended their functions, and she helped them flourish and in her quite way was instrumental in their growth. She was very proud of each of them.

Irene was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren which she interacted with until her final days. She had a soft spot for the next generation.

Now her health struggle has ended and she has a place with our Lord. She is now privy to the mysteries of the universe, knowledge of everything, free of physical limitations. We picture her running, jumping rope and of course dancing with her beloved husband Mike. She has gone home but she is with us still, it will always be so.

Irene passed away on March 11, 2017 at the age of 93. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael for 29 years. The loving mother of Tracy (Linda) Anthony, Millie (Stephen) Packard, Nancy (Bob) Durham, Michael (Beth) Anthony and Steven (Susan) Anthony. Cherished Nady of Michael T. Anthony, Marc Anthony, Kate Thompson-Durham, Kristen Smith, Rosanne Sepka, Michael Drake Anthony-Bowling, Jason Anthony, Emily Anthony, Peter Anthony and Thomas Anthony, and 10 great-grandchildren. The dear sister of Ingrid (Gary Bityk) Santti.

Visitation for Irene will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road in Livonia. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11am at the funeral home. Friends may visit the funeral home Saturday morning from 10am until the time of service.

In honor of Irene, memorial donations are appreciated to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 24158 Goddard Rd, Taylor, MI 48180 or Grace Community Christian Church, 2770 Montgomery Rd, Aurora, IL 60504.