Virginia Mary Irons, 83, of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, surrounded by loved ones at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born at home in Mesick in 1935, to Magnus and Mary Hoseit and lived there until moving to Kalamazoo.
In 1976, Virginia graduated from Tracy Beauty Academy, after which she decided to study for and received her GED high school certificate in September 1977. This enabled her to continue her cosmetology studies, becoming an instructor in December of that same year.
For a few years she taught cosmetology at Tracy Beauty Academy, then teaching at American Beauty College in Kalamazoo, where she experienced first-hand the tornado of May 13, 1980, that devastated the downtown area.
She loved spending time with her family, watching butterflies and nature programs on TV, and before succumbing to arthritis, was a wonderful seamstress.
Virginia is survived by her children, Robert (Tammy) Bailey of Kalamazoo, Louis “Zeke” Irons of California, Joyce Buckallew of Kalamazoo and Timothy Irons of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren; a sister, Ella (Jerry) Long of Cadillac; and many nieces and nephews.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends may meet with Virginia’s family on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 5-8 p.m., at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Private burial of ashes will take place at Mesick-Sherman Cemetery in Mesick at a later time.
Contributions in memory of Virginia may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice where she received wonderful care for the past two months and to whom we are eternally grateful.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.winkelfuneral home.com.
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