Irene M. Nelson, age 94, passed away Friday February 5, 2010, at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.

Irene was born August 6, 1915, in Harris, MI, the youngest daughter of John and Helen (Derusha) LaChapelle. In 1916, Irene’s family moved to Escanaba where they owned and operated St. Paul’s Boarding House, a home to all the dock workers, which was located on the North side of Escanaba many years ago. Irene attended the Webster School. She eventually moved to Gary, Indiana with her friend Evelyn Belanger. Irene worked for a doctor, as a clerk, in several different locations before relocating to San Francisco, CA. In 1947, the former Irene LaChapelle married Edward Nelson and over the years was employed by the City of Paris as a buyer for the stationary department. She retired in the early 1980’s. Her husband Edward preceded her in death in November of 1996. Irene sold her home in San Francisco in June of 2005 and moved to Gladstone to reside at the Sexton Foster Home where she remained until August 17, 2007. At which time, Irene moved to the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility, in Powers, where she lived out the remainder of her life. Irene was a devoted Catholic. She was a past member of the St. Finn’s Bar Church in the Monterey District of San Francisco. A window in the St. Finn’s Bar Church was given by Irene as a gift. She was also a past member of the St. Anne Church in Escanaba. In addition, Irene loved animals, especially cats and dogs. She was a special person to all who knew her in San Francisco and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Irene leaves to survive:

7 Nieces:
Mary Lee (Rudy) Lauterbach of Brea, CA; Joyce (Ken) Limberg of Missouri; Lucille Cholger of Bark River, MI; Marilyn (Norbert) Beauchamp of Harris, MI; Mary (Floyd) Savoie of Powers, MI; Sharon LaCombe Fort Meyers, FL; Gail (LaChapelle) Houle Escanaba, MI

7 Nephews:
Leland (Barbra) Woodward of Vancouver, WA; James (Louise) Woodward of Grass Valley, CA; Arthur (Johnnie) Derouin of Nevada, TX; John (Jeannine) Derouin of Sheboygan, WI; Frank (Francey) LaChapelle of West Plains, MO; Richard LaCombe Holmes of Miami, FL; Dale LaCombe Terre Haute, IN

Also listed among the surviving family are many loving great nieces, great nephews, cousins and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen, her husband, Edward, her sisters and her brothers.

Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Irene M. Nelson will be conducted on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at 11:00AM, at the St. Anne Church with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Anne Parish Hall. Committal rites will take place at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in the Spring time.