Irene Madeline Opsommer

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Irene Madeline Opsommer. She died peacefully with loved ones at her side on Saturday March 7th at the age of 93. Irene was born on October 9th, 1932. She grew up on Detroit’s east side with her sister Ivonna. She graduated from St Ambrose High School in 1950. She met my dad and it was love at first sight. They were married on October 16th, 1954 (Irene was 21). They rented in Detroit until they built their forever home in 1960 and filled it with a life overflowing with love, friends, family, and adventure. Irene was preceded in death by her parents Martha and Camile VanNieuwenhuyze, her sister Ivonna Bruneel, her son Stephen and her husband and love of her life, George. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her son Michael, daughter in law Shawntele, and grandson Caden (who she always called her “Sunshine”). Additionally, she is survived by her nephew Gary and niece Susan (Tim). She is the great aunt to Victoria (Stephen), Julie (Todd), and Joella. She also leaves behind innumerable extended family and friends who have been forever changed by her generosity and kindness. Throughout her life, Irene worked at a variety of places as an administrative assistant and secretary. She made her impacts at Park Davis, The Cross Company, and General Dynamics. She ended her work career at Warren Pipe and Supply, (who ironically employed all three of the Opsommers!) and became lifelong friends with the owners. Being an only child, she worked diligently to give me a life filled with friends and experiences. We took yearly trips to fun and exciting places. Many memories were made on our boat at Metro Beach. We had the best built in swimming pool in the neighborhood (even though Irene hated water and could not swim!). My mom sacrificed daily for my happiness. Anyone who knew Irene would say she was about people and relationships. My mom loved to host bridal and baby showers for friends and family. Our pool was alive during the summer with Irene welcoming anyone who could come over. She went out of her way to make sure everyone was included and always enjoyed themselves. There were endless euchre and pinochle nights. Sunday family dinners and elaborate holidays meals were always hosted by my parents. My mom was an excellent cook! The annual “Round Robin” at Christmas with her friends was something Irene cherished. People were naturally drawn to Irene by her genuine thoughts and actions. She was the bright light in the room. She always seemed to know someone anywhere she went. Even though Irene was shy and soft-spoken, she seemed to befriend people when they needed her most. If you get the chance to meet one of her best friends Bernie, ask her how they met. Irene always showed love, compassion and a caring attitude that I strive to emulate daily. Irene was highly organized as demonstrated by the multitudes of photo albums with every picture labeled with names and dates. She keep daily journals dating back to her childhood. Her recipes were organized by type of food. She appreciated and thrived on structure. Irene’s catholic religion was especially important to her. She lived a life that was based on her beliefs and traditions of her faith. Even in the previously mentioned journals, most days started with “went to mass.” Finding her volunteering at church or the school was not uncommon. She was happiest when she could give herself to others in service. While there is deep heartache and she will be missed daily, it is comforting to know that she is at peace. More importantly she is once again reunited with so many of her friends and family, especially the love of her life, my father George. The family welcomes well-wishers at Wujek-Calcaterra Funeral Home, 36900 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, on Wednesday March 11th from 4pm to 9pm with a rosary at 7pm. Irene will be celebrated instate at 9:30am on March 12th with a funeral mass at 10:00am at St Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 N Nunneley Rd, Clinton Township. There will be a private service following for immediate family at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you express your condolences by making a memorial donation in Irene’s memory to St Jude Children’s Hospital. https://www.stjude.org. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Irene Madeline Opsommer

October 9, 1932 - March 7, 2026