Irene Rose Welsh

Irene Rose Welsh, 87, Durand, Illinois died at 7:55 p.m., Monday, April 16, 2012 in Medina Manor Nursing Center.

Born December 8, 1924 in Laona Township, Illinois, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin and Mae (Considine) Welsh. Irene lived and worked on the family farm until 1996 when she moved into Medina Manor Nursing Center. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Durand, Illinois. She loved the outdoors and taking care of her animals and pets. Graduated from Durand High School as Valedictorian of the Class of 1943. A special thanks to Medina Manor Retirement and Nursing Center staff for their warm and extraordinary care, concern and compassion toward Irene for the past 16 years.

Survivors include cousins  Rosemary Highland, Rita Highland, Mary Clare (Angelo) Ingoglia, Sheila Highland, John Highland, Lewis McGuiness, Robert McGuiness and Pauline Bender. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother John “Stateline Johnnie”, sister Mary Ellen and cousin Father James Murphy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 20, 2012 in St. Mary Catholic Church, 602 West Main Street, Durand, Illinois with Msgr. Eric Barr officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Durand, Illinois. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home, 101 Main Street, Durand, Illinois from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Friday with prayers to be recited at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice Care of America or Medina Manor Nursing Center.