Jean Hope Irwin
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Jean Hope Irwin, 91, of East Fallowfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 17, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Jean was the beloved wife of Edward W. Irwin who went to be with the Lord in March of 2008.
Jean graduated from Coatesville High School in the class of 1939 and was a graduate of Lancaster Business College in 1944. Jean was always active in the political arena as part of the the GOP. She served as the Republican Committee Woman for many years in West Brandywine Township. She was instrumental working on the campaigns of Representatives Bob Walker and Joe Pitts. In the mid-1960’s, Jean built her own small, successful professional business, “Stenographic Reporting” and was actively engaged in running that business for more than twenty years.
She was an active member of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, where during World War II she directed the children’s and adult choirs.
Jean is survived by her three children, Thomas (Ted) Edward Hope Irwin, Sr. and his wife, Pamela (Pechin), Pequea, PA; Rebecca (Becky) Hook, and her husband (and Jean’s primary caregiver since 2008), James M. Hook, Sr., East Fallowfield, PA; and Timothy (Tim) Narvel Irwin, East Fallowfield, PA.
In addition to her children, she is survived by 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Jean was predeceased by her identical twin, Ruth Hope Handy in 1997. They were the daughters of Thomas E. and Lena (Hammond) Hope. Jean and Ruth (well known as the “Hope twins”) grew up together on the Hopedell Farm in Coatesville (Valley Township).
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 24 at the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, PA 19365.
Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 23 at The Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main Street in Parkesburg, PA 19365; and again from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name in honor of her son, Timothy Irwin, to the Handi-Crafters, P.O. Box 72646, Thorndale, PA 19372.
Online condolences may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Becky, I am holding you close
Becky, I am holding you close to my heart as you now continue your journey of life. Feel the circle of love and postitive energy that sourrounds you from those who love and care for you. Now is a time to take care of you. Condolences to all of your family.
We remember with fondness all
We remember with fondness all the good times we had together working in the political and school district arena with Jean in the 60's and 70's and 80's. She was fun loving and spirited. Her life of service to the Lord and her country/community will long be remembered by the many whose life she influenced. Blessings and prayers go out to the family during this time..as Jean has been ushered into her place of permanent health and reward in heaven.
Becky, My thoughts and
Becky, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jean sent my brother a note
Jean sent my brother a note about 10 years ago as a thank-you for a birthday remembrance (I think), and he copied it to me as well. Our Great-Aunt Helen Varnes Seaboldt (1901-1990) was a longtime telephone operator on the former Bell Telephone Exchange in Parkesburg, and also was the organist at the Upper Octorara Church for several years. Jean said in her note that she and Ruth had an old telephone that they often played with as young girls (nice to know that even back then, parents could spend vast amounts of resources buying toys for kids, only to have them wind up playing with an old phone or something else along those lines), and that they would argue over who would portray the operator when they played with their old phone, or, as she put it, they argued over who would be "Helen Varnes." Aunt Helen supposedly had a distinctive way of saying, "Number, please?" when she routed calls, and Jean said she practiced it over and over until she had it down pat. Jean and Ruth were pure class, and it was a great privilege for me to have known them.
Becky,Jim,Tim,Ted,Pam And all
Becky,Jim,Tim,Ted,Pam And all the grand children.
We send our condolences to you all. I will always remember visiting at the Irwin house and Mrs Irwin's kindness. Today and always you will remember all the great times you have had with her and her Love will shine in you all.
our prayers are with you
We are both very sorry the
We are both very sorry the read about Mrs. Irwin. She will be missed.Our sincere sympathy to her family.
We once lived in the old tennet house across from the Copeland farm. My husband and I had Cheryl's Flowers. Mrs. Irwin visited quit often, and we enjoyed her very much.
Love and Prayers,
Doug and Cheryl Dennis
Jean Hope Irwin
Becky, Jim, Ted, Pam, Tim and family,
We will miss your wonderful mother, Jean at the Irwin Reunion picnics. She worked so hard for so many years to collect funds for the repair and maintenance of the cemetery and it's surrounding wall. She was always so welcoming and warm to everyone who attended. As members of Clan Irwin Association we are proud to have known such a wonderful and loving woman.
God bless you all. We know Jean is together with her husband in heaven with her Lord and Savior.
God be with you all, Sherrie and Joe Irwin
Dear Ted,Pam,Becky,Jim,and my
Dear Ted,Pam,Becky,Jim,and my buddy Tim,and,Family,
Tina and I were saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. Our parents were part of the greatest generation that will ever live. We will always remember what a wonderful person your Mom was and her great sense of humor. They are all preparing a place for us with them. Be strong Tim and I'll get down to see you soon at Handi-Crafters.
With Deepest Sympathy, Dave, Tina,and Family
To the entire Irwin Family
I was so sorry to hear that you had to say good-bye to Aunt Jean. Grief is hard work, but thank the Lord that we KNOW she is alive and healthy with our Lord. I know that promise of eternal life because of Aunt Jean, Aunt Ruth, and their parents brought my mom into their lives and shared the message of Jesus with her. They loved her with God's love, and because of that I can say with confidence that my family will be in heaven one day with Aunt Jean. That is an eternal gift that Aunt Jean gave me because she lived a life filled with God's love.
Love,
Lynn, Tom, Sarah, and Jodi Camino