Irene G. (O'Connell) Werhan
March 22, 1927 ~ April 3, 2024
Born in:
Goshen, New York
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Irene G. Werhan, age 97, of Asheville, formerly of Middletown, NY, left this world on April 3, 2024 to meet her maker and reunite with the love of her life, her husband, Bernie.
She was predeceased by sons Edward and infant son Lawrence, 3 brothers Daniel, Thomas, and George and 4 sisters, Marie, Dorothy, Ann, and Margaret.
Irene was the daughter of the late Thomas F. O’Connell and Kathleen Griffis. She was born on March 22, 1927 in Goshen, NY. She graduated high school from Garr Institute in Goshen in 1944. She also received her R.N. degree at the former Middletown State Hospital in 1949. She and Bernie were married August 14, 1949 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Middletown.
Surviving to cherish her memory include her son, Gerry and wife Candace; granddaughter, Paige Edwards-Werhan and husband David; special granddaughter, Rhiannon Roland and husband Chad; great-niece, Diana O’Connell, all of Asheville; sister-in-law, Joan Grecco and husband Tony of Surfside Beach, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as special friends Maureen, Judy and Teresa.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Road, Candler, NC 28715. Interment will take place at a later date in the family plot in Middletown, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Irene’s memory to any of these non-profits she was fond of: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church: BeLoved Asheville, 32 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803; Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Service Lake Julian is serving the Werhan family.
Services
Memorial Mass: April 24, 2024 11:00 am
Room: Sanctuary
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
768 Asbury Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828)252-3151
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Dear Gerry and family
So sorry for the loss of your dear Mother. She was my Mother’s best friend. I remember when my dad passed she told me… sorry it is always hard to lose a parent. That was something that always stayed with me and she was right. My thoughts are with you at this time.
My deepest sympathies Cheryl Chambers
Dear Gerry, Candace, Paige, David, and extended family, may you all be supported with love and kindness as you mourn the loss of a great lady, Irene. She blessed my life with her caring heart and listening ears during the past several years since reconnecting following the passing of Bernie, my godfather (my dad’s Best Man). Irene dubbed herself my godmother and truly was a gift from God. I had a good time keeping Irene “in the know” with hometown and world news with newspaper clippings, especially during the Pandemic. I decorated the envelopes with a variety of stickers that entertained her as well as having the mail carrier take notice! Irene included me in her daily prayers. Irene was my best friend. In deepest sympathy, Love, Maureen A. Hunt
Dear Gerry, Candace, Paige, David, and extended family, may you all be supported with love and kindness as you mourn the loss of a great lady, Irene. She blessed my life with her caring heart and listening ears during the past several years since reconnecting following the passing of Bernie, my godfather (my dad’s Best Man). Irene dubbed herself my godmother and truly was a gift from God. Irene was my best friend. In deepest sympathy, Love, Maureen A. Hunt
Kathleen Luckey and Sharon Bohan- daughters of Daniel O’Connell, nieces of Irene from Port Jervis, New York.
I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy for all the years you were fortunate to have had with this amazing woman! I had only known her for the past last five or so years, and we connected through our mutual love of felines. We became fast friends and spoke nearly every day, and she quickly became a trusted companion, someone who listened, and I loved to hear life stories and current ones of her fluffy orange-haired cat, Archie, who is now in a new wonderful home as well, but you can tell that he still misses Irene.
But perhaps She and Bernie are navigating some of the backroads of heaven in a Winnebago, and they could have picked up little Prudence along the way! (her cat before Archie) I’m sure she’s smiling down on everyone saying “see you soon!”, and still telling me to finish that third book! I love you and miss you my wonderful friend, and may love, peace and comfort surround the family💖✨🙏💖
Dear Gerry, Candace and Page – I am so sorry for the loss of Irene. She was a wonderful lady, and our daughter, Diana, spent some wonderful times with her! I remember talking on the phone with Irene last year, and I always enjoyed our talks. She always told me she loved talking to me, with my southern drawl. I thought this was so funny. I’m so glad we had these talks! She will be thoroughly missed by many.
Love and Prayers,
Bruce and Fran O’Connell