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Irene Wardle Sordyl, age 92, died on November 19, 2019. She was born on September 26, 1927.
603 West Broadway was the location of the family home where Don and Irene grew their family of three girls, Sandra, Luann, and Janine. After twenty-one years the home was vacated as Don and Irene became empty nesters following the girl’s marriages. Sandra accepted Bill Cooley’s hand in marriage, Marv Holverstott swept Luann off her feet, and Tom English took Janine as his bride. It was shortly following the marriages that another young lady grew into the hearts of the Wardle family, Autumn Wicks was “adopted” to the family and referred to as the “littlest sister”. Irene lost the love of her life after forty years of marriage. During the seventeen years of living alone, she found enjoyment participating with the Horizons Club where she rekindled old friendships and found a new, traveling about the U.S. and abroad. In 2002 Ed Sordyl “waltzed” into Irene’s life and the couple married adding two more girls into Irene’s life, Debbie (Ron) and Vicky (John). Irene adored her grandchildren, all six of them. Katy and Mike Cockrell, Cory and Gina Holverstott, and Mark and Kristin Cooley. The addition of great grands, Lucy, Madie, Kaden, Owen, Sophie, Lauren, and Morgan totally filled her heart. Irene had talents she was happy to share with her grand’s. The finesse on the basketball court, the accomplished skill of yo-yoing, the fine needlework of crocheting and origami with napkins and hankies.
Irene supported her family in their extracurricular activities whether it be watching marching bands, ball games, concerts, competitions, or parades, Irene was there to lend her support. Irene’s world extended outside the home briefly as the girls grew up. She worked at the Continental Can Company and Janie’s Dress Shop. She began and extended career after obtaining her real estate license working with Rollins, Lammon, and Jackson Real Estate Companies. Sales ran deep in Irene’s veins and she began a regular working schedule selling ads for Three Rivers Commercial. Her working days came to a close working along side Dick and Inge Bonfoey in their jewelry store. With peace in our hearts knowing their mom lived her life with style, joy, and laughter, she has been reunited with the man that gave her wings to fly, Don. So many thanks to Great Lakes Hospice, the
loving family and staff at Safe Haven Assisted Living for their tender care and good times. Irene leaves behind three very special ladies in her life; sister, Louise Reith, childhood friend, Elaine Looney, and high school chum, Murial Tobin. Irene’s beloved companion, Sweetie Pie, will continue her days with the loving staff and residents of Safe Haven.
In accordance with Irene’s wishes cremation will be conducted. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until a celebration of Irene’s life beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019 at Hohner Funeral Home with Pastor Glenn Russell officiating.
Memorial donations may be directed to the continued veterinary care of beloved dog Sweetie Pie c/o Hedges Veterinary Clinic of Three Rivers or Great Lakes Hospice. Envelopes available at the funeral home.
