Irene F. McFarland, 91, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2018 in Indianapolis with her loving husband Wayne and other family members at her side. Born in 1927 in Kingsford, MI, as the oldest child of Frank and Helen Derrick (De Grave), Irene was a graduate of Hurley Hospital School of Nursing with an RN Diploma. She met Wayne while caring for his step-mother at Hurley Hospital and, upon their wedding on November 29, 1947, they enjoyed 70 years of marriage, demonstrating their love for each other as an example for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wayne survives, along with their daughters Mary J. (Tom) Gillen, Elizabeth (Chuck) Gavzer, Peggy (Brent) White and their son, Thomas W. McFarland. Also survived by their 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, two sisters, Marie (Bob) Sullivan and Kathy (Walt) Blayney, as well as her sister-in-law, Lois Derrick. In addition to her parents, Irene was further preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Phyliss Derrick and brothers Frank and Richard.
Throughout their life together, Wayne and Irene made their homes with their children in Detroit and Cascade (Ada), Michigan; Brookfield, Wisconsin; Peoria, Illinois and South Bend, Indiana, before moving three years ago to Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to raising her family, Irene enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, expressing her love for flowers through her gardening and sharing road trips with Wayne to various spots throughout the U.S., always stopping to tour gardens, including Callaway Gardens in GA. After retirement from nursing, she and Wayne enjoyed a three-month travel journey through Canada and the Western United States during which she journalized their stops and highlights of their trip including a stop at The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. Also, during her retirement, she served as a hospice nurse and provided tender care to patients and families.
A memorial tribute will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m. at her Assisted Living Facility, Traditions at Solana, Indianapolis, Indiana. The family asks that in Irene’s memory, those interested should plant daffodils and other spring flowers where they may be enjoyed by themselves and others for years to come.
Lindsey says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Irene. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
L.L. says
Please accept our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Irene McFarland ,
May you be comforted by the scripture at Isaiah 25::8.
Just knowing there is a future for our loved ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Again, may you be comforted.
L.L.
Nancy Meyer says
I am so sad the world has lost this tough, smart, caring woman. But I am so happy it had her as long as it did. Thanks for blessing us with your spirit Irene, you will be missed.
Kathleen Sullivan says
I remember her love of flowers and family,, she got me to eat blonie and pickles.,which is one of my favorites. Kathy s