Irene Croll
August 18, 1937 - February 21, 2018
Irene Croll, age 80, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Born in Carteret, NJ on August 18, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Minda) Turick. Irene was a 1955 graduate of Carteret High School in New Jersey and graduated from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. She worked as a nurse at St. Francis and Perth Amboy Hospitals in New Jersey and finally at the Veterans Hospital in Elsmere. Throughout most of her career she functioned as head nurse of her department and retired in 1994. She will be remembered as a loving and caring person and always helped those in need, putting others before herself.
Irene joined the Christiana Fire Company in 1995 where she was an active volunteer working with the fund drives, fire prevention committee and writing thank you letters to individuals for their generous contributions. Over the years, she received several awards, such as the Presidents Award in 1997, the Fire Prevention Award in 2003, the Chiefs Award in 2005, the Member Appreciation Award in 2006 and the Administrative Volunteer Award in 2010.
Although Irene was afraid of heights, she loved to fly. She took a helicopter ride over parts of Hawaii, Jamaica, California and Pennsylvania, a hot air balloon ride over Lake Placid, an ultra lite over the Mexican Peninsula, a seaplane ride in San Francisco and went para sailing twice in Mexico. Last, but not least, she was a guest of the Department of Defense for three days and flew in a new C5 to an Air Force base in Texas and one in Oklahoma.
Very active in her community, Irene developed the community watch program, which lasted 20 years, before she retired. She was recognized in the News Journal for her outstanding work.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob in 1989. She is survived by her brother, Joseph Turick and his wife, Lydia of Shrewsbury, MA; sister Elizabeth Handerhand of Port Reading, NJ; four nephews and a niece; and her loving Norwegian Elkhounds, Dakota and Saxon.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the Christiana Fire Company banquet hall, 2 East Main Street, Christiana, DE, followed by a funeral service at 1 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, Irene’s family requests memorial contributions in her memory to an animal charity of your choice.
Juliann Whittington
May Irene Rest in Peace. She was the most selfless individual I could have ever have had the pleasure of meeting. And I will always remember her for her grateful act of kindness that I personally saw her show me. Thank you Irene for showing me that wonderful special you.
Ray & Jane Williams
RIP dear Irene you were a guardian angel to so many here on earth. This world would be a better place if we had more of you in it. Irene did so much for so many without a monetary payment because she did it because she loved making her district and community a better replace to live. A no nonsense women, a women who loved her animals, her babies as she discribed them. RIP with your dear husband Irene your time to rest now. We will see you on the other side. You earned your angel wings here on earth. You will be missed! Love and strength to your fire and your family.
Sally Spear
Elizabeth, Joe, Lydia and family, Irene became a good friend over the past few years because of our shared love of Norwegian Elkhounds and our nursing careers. She was a very special lady and we will miss her.
John and Sally
Jackie Schwander
Irene there are so many things I am going to miss about you. Our friendship started about 49 years ago and we shared so many memories that I will treasure. The memories I have of you will forever hold a special place in my heart. You were more then just a friend to me you were more like family. You had a heart of gold and would go above and beyond to help anyone. It is comforting knowing you are once again reunited with Bob the love of your life. You are one very special lady who will be deeply missed but I will always keep you close in my thoughts and prayers.You fought a long hard battle but are finally at peace.