Irene Pierce

Irene Zeeb Pierce of DeWitt, MI died Thursday, July 3, 2014 at the age of 89. Born December 9, 1924, to Everett and Marjorie (Lane) Benson, Irene worked for Michigan Bell Telephone right after high school. She married Virgil Zeeb in 1943 and together they owned DeWitt Elevator until it was destroyed by fire in 1955 and then Zeeb Fertilizer for 25 years. They operated the DeWitt Theatre (now the present location of Relli's) for several years. Irene was a former Treasurer of the DeWitt School Board.

She was a member of the Clinton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was the first women to hold the position of Trustee, to serve on the Board of Directors, and to be elected as Chairman on the Board at Clinton Memorial Hospital. After Virgil's death Irene married Albert Pierce in 1984. A loving mother and grandmother, she enjoyed playing golf, traveling, entertaining, and shopping.

Surviving are her children; Brian (Debra) Zeeb of DeWitt, Christine (Marty) Levy of Santa Clara, CA; step-children, Mike (Carol) Pierce, Pat Pierce, Brenda (Raymond) Wade; 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brother, Elwin (Mirilyn) Benson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to Virgil and Albert, Irene was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joyce Furgala.

A Celebration of Life will be held 12:00 PM Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Prairie Creek Banquet Center, 800 E. Webb Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820 with Dr. Jack Clarkson officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made the American Cancer Society, 3315 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48910.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.