Irene Farland

Irene Mac Farlane, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. Irene was born in Detroit on August 1, 1920 as one of four daughters and two sons of Frank and Helen Megge. Irene was raised on the east side and attended Denby High School. She married the love of her life, James Mac Farland on November 19, 1938 at Assumption Grotto Church. They were married for over 60 years.
After being interrupted by Jim's service in the war, Irene and Jim continued housekeeping in Grosse Pointe Woods with their family of three sons and two daughters. In the fifties, Irene and Jim took on the challenge of a move to Harsens Island where they opened and managed a combination restaurant and B & B named the Ship 'N Shore. In 1960 they moved to Roseville to finish raising their family. It was then that Irene took up part-time work as a waitress at the Shepherd's Inn, later moving on to full time work at Champion Spark Plug where she eventually retired in August of 1985.
Irene was known by most for her light hearted attitude. Her beaming smile was contagious and everyone around her became the beneficiary of her constant optimism and joy for life. She loved unconditionally, loved to be with people and knew how to have fun. Later in life one of her favorite pastimes was taking field trips to the casinos. Her children and grandchildren will always remember her brandishing an oversized flyswatter when she feigned that they were in need of discipline.
Surviving are three children, Kenneth Faith, Peggy John Allman, and Jerry Bonnie; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her husband James L., son James K., daughter Jeannie Rose, and grandson David.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.