Irene Spence's Obituary
Irene Spence of Gainesville passed peacefully in her sleep on October 15 in Augusta, Georgia, at the age of 95. Irene was born on March 31, 1927, to Frieda and Leo Droughton of Kearny, New Jersey. She was the youngest of five children, and she spent her childhood in New Jersey. She loved figure skating and summer trips to Beach Haven, NJ. She graduated from Barry College in Miami, Florida, with a degree in Mathematics, and then worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.
She married her husband, John Roger Spence, in 1951, and they moved to Gainesville in 1959. They raised seven children, and Irene was active as a substitute teacher and librarian at St. Patrick’s School, where the children attended. She kept busy supporting her children’s many sports and extracurricular activities.
Irene and John were founding parishioners of Holy Faith Parish, and then Queen of Peace Catholic Community. She lived a life of service to others, starting with Meals on Wheels, preparing and serving meals for parish priests, and sewing vestments and Baptismal gowns for the parish. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound, created banners and altar coverings, and sang in the choir. She was well-known for her skill as a seamstress, and she shared her knowledge and love of sewing and quilting with many others. She handcrafted beautiful quilts for all her children and grandchildren, and she also made and donated dozens of quilts for American soldiers and veterans.
She often spoke of happy memories of boating with her father, fishing, and trips to the beach. She enjoyed gardening and watching the diverse birds and butterflies that she attracted to the backyard. She loved many pets though the years and was often seen walking her dogs through the neighborhood. She was an avid reader and loved to take Sunday drives with her husband in the surrounding area.
Irene was preceded in death by John, her husband of 52 years, and her youngest daughter Mary Kingsbury. She is survived by her children: Jean Spence Leek (John) of San Diego, CA, John Spence Jr. (Carole) of Midlothian, VA, Kathy Searles (Rob) of Augusta, GA, Christopher Spence (Margaret) of Archer, Paul Spence (Penny) of Holly Springs, NC, and Susan Spence of Weed, CA, 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 10:00 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Irene’s name can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at https://www.komen.org
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