Date of Death: November 19, 2019

Service Details

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.

Obituary Notice

Irene Wardle Sordyl
September 26, 1927 – November 19, 2019
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 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 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.

Additional Information

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.

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10 Comments

  1. Dear Janine, We send our sympathy at the death of your Mom. She was a lovely lady and I am so happy to have known her. Buck and I have talked so much of you and Tom these last few days, remembering all the fun times . You and I are blessed to have had the good Moms that we did. Keeping you in my prayers. Buck & Marlene.

  2. Out of all the parents of all the friends I had growing up in Three Rivers, Irene and Don were the very best. It was always fun to go home with Janine, and her parents made it even more so. Irene was so warm and kind and full of mischief….it was a great atmosphere to be brought up in and to visit. When I saw her at Safe Haven recently, she still had that sparkle in her eye, even at age 92. She seemed to remember me and recollected an incident years ago where Janine and I had walked all the way to their house on Broadway from high school in the dead of winter….amazing. At the time I saw Irene I was just moving back to Three Rivers after 40 years of being away. She quietly uttered a phrase to me that was more profound than she could have possibly guessed, and still melts my heart when I think about it. It meant everything coming from her: “Welcome home, Lynn”. I say the same to you, wonderful lady.

  3. I remember Mrs. Wardle as being the life of the party! Her daughter, Sandy has been my dear friend for 38 years. I have called her family “My Michigan family “! I love them and have felt their love in return. One of my fondest memories of Mrs. Wardle was when she was trying to teach my husband Jim how to dance?!!! That was so precious and hilarious! She has a special place in our hearts. Our love to all of the sweet family, Bonnie and Jim Mobley

  4. Irene was the favorite childhood mother,outside of our own,she was so loving and wonderful. Sandra,Louann,and Janine I share your tears,your pain and grief. ❤ all of you. Thank you for sharing her with us.

  5. Aunt Irene was one of the best people I ever knew, she will be missed. She was so kind, so caring and so interested in everyone she met. My thoughts and prayers are with ALL of the members of her family. My sympathies and condolences.

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