Irene Maxine Popson

Irene Maxine Popson, age 93, of Albia, died Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Homestead Assisted Living in Albia surrounded by her family. Irene was born on April 16, 1922 in Hiteman, Iowa to George and Anna (Bobby) Biros. She graduated salutatorian from the Hiteman High School with the class of 1939. On June 21, 1941 she was united in marriage to John Popson at St. Peters Catholic Church in Lovilia. To this union 8 children were born, John, Helen, Kathryn, Bill, Shirley, Bob, Joyce, and Jeanne. She was a homemaker but also helped John on the farm. She went to work at Trophy Glove for a time before taking a job at Trojan's door factory. Irene then went to work at several other jobs including J.C. Penney's, Monroe County Hospital, and the group home with the Monroe County Professional Management. Irene was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Weller before becoming a member of St. Mary's Church in Albia. She was a member of St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society She also taught catechism. Irene loved being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. While raising her family she had a large garden where she grew and canned many fruits and vegetables. Irene could always fix a bite to eat with fried chicken and angel food cake being 2 of her favorites to prepare. She lived her entire life in Monroe County. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, being outdoors, taking bus trips, watching wheel of fortune, attending concerts and plays, watching her grandchildren's sporting events and traveling. Irene had been from coast to coast and to both the north and south borders while also traveling to Europe twice but Iowa was always "home". Her real joy in life was spending time with her family and friends. Irene is survived by her 7 children, John (Martha) Popson, Helen McDowell, Kathryn (Matt) Cernic, Bill Popson, Bob Popson, Jeanne Popson and Joyce (Terry) Shaw; 17 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great granddaughters. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Tom Fangman and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna; her husband, John; a daughter, Shirley Playle; 2 great grandchildren, John Michael and Katelyn Kay; 2 sisters, Ruth Fangman and Agnes Bertogli; and a brother George Biros. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 3, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S and Father John Bertogli officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary's Cemetery in Weller. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Irene's family present from 4 -8 Wednesday evening. A 4:00 p.m. rosary will be led by St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society and a wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m. A memorial has been established to St. Mary's Cemetery in Weller or to the family's wishes. Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.

Irene Maxine Popson

April 16, 1922 - February 25, 2016