Irene Gordon

GORDON, Irene (nee Banko), age 88, passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021. Irene grew up in Richeyville, Pennsylvania and graduated from Centerville High School in Brownsville. In the 1950s, she attended California University of Pennsylvania, received her BA, and moved to Detroit, Michigan. In the 60s, Irene started teaching at Roseville High School, got married, and attended night school to get her MA at Wayne State University. During those years, Irene was an active member of the community and dedicated time and effort building and developing the Roseville Arts Festival. During the 70s and 80s, she continued teaching and was involved in multiple choral and theatrical productions with various chamber choirs and choruses with the Michigan Opera Theatre. Her passion for teaching, music, and the arts was ever-present and generously shared with family, friends, and all that she met throughout her life. To all whose lives were touched by Irene, she is remembered fondly for her intelligence, wit, and caring nature – cards dutifully sent for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions; calls made regularly to keep in touch; and every effort made to meet in person for celebrations and activities as lives unfolded. Irene’s family, especially, were blessed to have her as an example when approaching life and all its challenges. Her independence inspired strength, her faithfulness encouraged purpose, and her values instilled the importance of family. Irene’s dedication to family and lifelong passions for education, music, and the arts continues in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Irene is the loving mother of Richard (Loan) Gordon, John (Lisa) Gordon, and Leslie (Dan) Shingleton. Beloved grandmother of Gretchen, Nicholas, Emily, Sabrina, Kathryn, Scott, and Leanna. Proud great grandmother of Aidyn, Mackenzie, Grayson, Ashton, Raegan, Adrianna, Charlotte, SariaYah, and Thaddeus. Dear sister of Andrew (Betty) Banko. Predeceased by her siblings Helen (the late Frank) Wrublesky and Steve (the late Suzanne) Banko. Visitation is Thursday, August 5th from 5-8pm and Friday, August 6th from 3-8pm. Funeral is Saturday, August 7th, instate 9:30am at St Nicolas Byzantine Catholic Church 23300 King Dr (between Gratiot and Harper) until time of Mass at 10am. Internment is at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in her name to American Foundation for the Blind. AFB.org. Share memories with the family at their “On-Line Guest Book” @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Irene Gordon

August 21, 1932 - July 29, 2021