Irene

I was saddened to hear of the death of Irene Doyle from my cousin, Owen Polifka, who was very close to Irene and and her husband, Joe. I happened upon Irene's obituary online in The Daily Journal of Fergus Falls.

Anyone who lived in Tenney in the early years remembers Irene and Joe Doyle. Irene Doyle and Doris Raguse were the last teachers to serve the Tenney School before it closed, in 1956.

I had the lovely experience of meeting Irene about a year ago when she attended my book signing in Campbell. The above photo was taken at the Ranch House in Campbell the day of the book event (Irene is in the plum-colored coat, next to Tom Polifka). I so clearly remember her coming up to me, searching for the details of my face through her failing vision, touching my arm, stroking it as older women sometimes do as they talk to "young folks" such as myself. She told me how thankful she was and how proud she was of me for the effort I had put in to THE TENNEY QUILT, and spoke with such pride and joy about her memories of our little town of Tenney and all its children that she loved and nurtured throughout her career. I had never met Irene, to my knowledge, but she made me feel as though I had known her forever or perhaps been a former student. I immediately understood why she was so loved in the area.

Irene was unable to attend the Tenney Gathering at the Tenney Church this past May, as that was the very day that a memorial service was held for her beloved husband, Joe. Blessed be the memory of Irene and Joe Doyle!

Following is the text of the obituary as it appeared in the Fergus Falls paper:

1918 - 2008
Irene Doyle

Irene Angeline Doyle, 89, of Weslaco, Texas, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, at her home just one month short of her 90th birthday. She suffered a stroke at the end of September very shortly after returning to Texas from Minnesota where she had been to sell her farm.
Irene Thompson was born Dec. 19, 1918, in Veblen, S.D., to Anna Dahlberg and Christian D. (C.D.) Thompson. Her parents died when she was a baby. She was raised by Bertha (sister to Anna) and Alfred Thompson (brother to C.D.), her aunt and uncle.
She married William (Joe) Doyle on April 7, 1941.
Irene graduated from Veblen High school in 1937, earned her teaching credential from Northern State in Aberdeen in 1940, and earned a bachelor of science degree from Moorhead College in 1965.

Irene was a life long teacher in Tenney, Fairmont N.D., and Campbell. Her teacher's heart was evident in all that she shared with others. She was active in her church and garden club.
Irene raised a huge garden each summer on her Minnesota farm. She had a keen interest in plants of all types and shared her seeds, produce, and knowledge with anyone who expressed an interest. She will also be remembered by many for her passion and talent for clog dancing.
Irene and Joe had no children of their own, but were parents to all.

Irene lost Joe, her husband of 67 years; and her sister, Evelyn, this year.
She is survived by nieces, nephews; grateful students; and loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, Irene would have been honored if you would make a contribution to either St. Pius X or the Church of St Gall or your favorite charity. Notification of such may be sent to Irene's nephew: Larry Helseth, 12818 SE Forest St., Vancouver, WA 98683.

Service: 9 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Pius X, 600 S. Oklahoma Ave., Weslaco, Texas

Minnesota service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Church of St. Gall, in Tintah Minnesota.

Burial: Church of St Gall cemetery in Tintah

Funeral Home: Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge

Condolences may be sent online at www.josephvertinandsons.com