Irene C. (Szalay) Johnson

Irene C. Johnson, age 90, of LaGrange, IN passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at her residence.  Ms. Johnson was born on April 8, 1930 in South Bend, IN to Joseph Peter and Emily Margaret (Kittell) Szalay.  She was employed at Vahala Foam in Shipshewana for 23 years.  During her employment, she wore several hats including, saw operator, delivery driver, and packaging specialist.  She was a devout lifetime Catholic and very true to her faith.   Irene enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and taking walks with friends and loved ones.  Knitting and crocheting were a couple other pastimes she loved to partake in as well.  She was known as the “mother of all children” by those who loved her.  Irene raised many children during her lifetime and instilled values in them that they live by to this day.  She was a beautiful definition of what the word “Mother” means.  Irene was a Strong, generous, and helpful woman who would do anything for those she loved.  

Survivors include:
Daughter, Laura Johnson of LaGrange, IN.
Son, Joseph Johnson of Edwardsburg, MI.
Daughter, Lisa Johnson of Shipshewana, IN.
Daughter, Lana Johnson of LaGrange, IN.
Daughter, Jacki (Rob) Morris of Castle Rock, CO.
Daughter, Lola (Brian) Scott of South Dakota.
Son, Jim Johnson of South Dakota.
Son, Mike (Tracee) Johnson of South Dakota.
16 Grandchildren.
17 Great-Grand Children.
Brother, Thomas Szalay of South Bend, IN.

Irene was preceded in death by both parents, 3 children; John Johnson, Linda Flick, and infant at birth, Jeremy Johnson, grandchildren; Daniel Flick and Matt Johnson, and siblings; Patrick Szalay, Frances Szalay, Joseph Szalay, Shirley Hartz, Teresa Davis, and Michael Szalay.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 12:00pm with visitation two hours prior from 10:00am-12:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 603 South Detroit Street, LaGrange, IN 46761.

Burial will take place following the funeral service at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 West Cleveland Road, Granger, IN 46530.

Officiating the funeral services will be Chaplin Ken Weaver.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find us on www.facebook.com

Arrangements and care trusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of LaGrange, IN. 

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