Irene Mary "Peto" Bezine, age 85, of 10570 North Main Street, Rapid River, passed away Tuesday July 14, 2009, at the Christian Park Village where she has resided for the past one and one half years.

Irene was born, February 11, 1924, at the old LaBresh homestead, in Perkins (where the Mid Peninsula School is currently located) to Andrew and Irene (Delmont) LaBresh. She was raised and attended school in Perkins until the eleventh grade, at which time, Irene and her family relocated to Gwinn where she graduated from the Gwinn High School. Following high school, Irene met her future husband while working in New Jersey after WWII. On April 22, 1948, Irene was united in marriage to Nicholas Bezine and together they made their home and began their family in Patterson, New Jersey. In 1954 the couple relocated to Rock, MI residing in the area until Nick passed away in June of 1994. Irene then moved to Rapid River where she remained until her health began to fail. Irene was a member of the Rapid River Congregational Church. She loved working as a foster grandparent for the Rapid River School System and knitting slippers for her family and friends.

Irene leaves to survive:

Daughter: Vickie (Jack) Herrick of Rapid River, MI

Grandson: Jack Herrick Jr. of Byers, CO

Special Niece: Diane (Patrick) Christenson of Little Lake, MI

8 nieces and nephews and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Irene, her husband, Nicholas, sister, Betty Jacobson, brothers, Andrew LaBresh Jr. and Joseph LaBresh.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Irene Mary "Peto" Bezine will be conducted Monday, July 20, 2009, at 5:00PM, at the Rapid River Congregational Church, with Pastor William Rafuse officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.