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ISHPEMING - Irene M. White, age 96, formerly of 125 N. Daisy St., passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had resided since January of 2006.

Irene was born on June 8, 1913, to the late William and Adeline (DesJarlais) Chartier in Escanaba. Her father passed away when Irene was an infant, and her mother remarried Norman Williams whom she was raised by. Her family moved to Iron River where she grew up. She married the late Walter White on Aug. 20, 1931.

She and Walter moved to Ishpeming in 1955 and resided here since. Irene worked for the JC Penney Store in Ishpeming as a sales clerk for 23 years, retiring in 1980. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Women's Association in which she had been the secretary, and a choir member for over 40 years. Irene had also been active with the Michigan Home Extension program for 35 years, holding several offices.

Irene is survived by three grandchildren, John (Julie) Soderberg of Ishpeming, Lori (Steve) Swanson of Ishpeming and Susan (Lee) DuQuette of Sandy Utah; 10 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter White in 2000; a daughter, Ruth Soderberg in 1988; son-in-law Robert Soderberg in 2006; her mother, Adeline Williams, and step-father Norman Williams; brothers Clyde and Donald Williams; and sisters Margaret Wonnacott, Grace Haggerty and Lois Heck.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 .am. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday July 22, 2009, at the United Presbyterian Church at 112 E. Euclid St., in Ishpeming where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Robb officiating. Inurnment will take place in Northland Chapel Gardens.

Pallbearers will be John Soderberg, Steve Swanson, Lee DuQuette, Jeramie Soderberg, Jason Soderberg, and Brad Niemi.

Memorials may be directed to the Presbyterian Women's Association at the United Presbyterian Church, 112 E. Euclid St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in Irene's memory.

Irene's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.