Marquette, MI- Irene Sivula danced her last dance on Tuesday, November 22 at Mill Creek Assisted Living where she had lived for the past 14 months.

Irene was born on May 8, 1922 in Negaunee Michigan to Sylvester and Maria (Spelghati) Paris. The family moved to Ishpeming where she graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1940. In 1944, Irene married her soul mate, Tom Sivula, in Dothan Alabama. Following Tom's honorable discharge from the Air Force they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. There they lived for 5 years while Tom pursued his masters and dental degrees. Irene worked in the University of Michigan Hospital in the personnel office. It was there that their first child, Mary Esther was born. She often kidded that was because of her employment and Mary Esther's birth cost them only $2 for the registration fee.

Following graduation the couple moved back to Ishpeming where Tom practiced dentistry with his father. Irene was kept busy in many ways. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and was a worthy matron of the Ishpeming Chapter 190.

To avoid becoming a "golfer's widow" she took up golf and became quite an avid golfer, so much so that the pro suggested she keep a sleeping bag at the clubhouse to save time. Her greatest and proudest moment was when she made "a hole in one."

Irene was also an avid duplicate bridge player winning many tournaments with her favorite partner, the late Jean Matthias.

After their second child, Thomas, Irene went to NMU to receive her degree in elementary education, graduating in 1963 Summa Cum Laude. She taught one year at K.I. Sawyer and then 20 years in the Ishpeming school system. She retired in 1984. She and her husband spent many winters in Alabama and Arizona.

Following her husband's death, she sold the family home and moved to Marquette where she shared many happy times with her friends. She volunteered at Marquette General Hospital at the information desk at the infusion center. She was also a member of the Marquette Red Hat Rosettes. In her late 80's she won the UP Red Hat twist contest.

Irene is survived by her children Mary Esther of Helena, MT and son Thomas (Kristen) of Long Beach CA., sister-in-law Dorothy Sivula of Negaunee, nieces and nephews in Texas, S,Carolina and Louisiana and many good friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, her parents, brother Dominic, sisters Teresa Nault and Mary LaCombe.

According to Irene's wishes funeral services will be private with no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the Grace Episcopal Church in Ishpeming.

Irene will be missed for her joy of life, her twinkle in her eye, her laughter and her spunk.

Many thanks to the staff at Mill Creek for the care and support she received. Irene enjoyed kidding with the staff and making new friends during her 14 month stay.

Irene's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com