Obituary of Elizabeth J. Irwin

Elizabeth (Betty) Jeanne Irwin, died on May 3, 2014. Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, September 5, 2014, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City with the Dr. Reverend Barrie Tritle of the First United Methodist Church officiating. The family would request that any memorial donations be given to the Spring Green Friends of the Library; the organization Betty was most involved with recently. She was born August 23, 1928, to Dr. Fred and Connie Crow of Iowa City, Iowa. She lived most of her life in Iowa City; graduating from City High School and the University of Iowa with a Master's degree in English Education. On March 15, 1947, she married Dr. Jesse Irwin, DVM, and on April 9, 1951 brought her daughter, Gail, into the world. Betty loved literature of all types and was a voracious reader. She especially loved Shakespeare and could quote long passages from the Bard's plays. She also loved poetry and performing in dramatic plays. In 2001 she moved to Spring Green to be closer to her family and became active in the community arts organizations, the Southwest Coalition for the Aged, the Lutheran Church and the Friends of the Library. In addition to participation as a board member in these organizations, she could always be counted on to bring delicious cookies! Betty was a wonderful cook and hostess and made everyone feel special in her home. In Iowa City Betty was very involved with the Iowa City Senior Center and helped organize the senior drama group—Senior Standing Room Only (SSRO). For years she also co-hosted a local TV program of poetry reading and discussion. She, along with her husband, Jess, served as President of the Iowa City Kiwanis Club. She was their first woman president—quite an achievement! Betty loved reading and volunteered time at the Iowa City Library helping children and adolescents improve their reading skills. In Spring Green Betty loved attending all the plays of American Players Theatre and was a generous donor and supporter of this wonderful group of actors. She never missed a performance at APT. She is survived by her son-in-law, Kim, her grandson, Matthew and his wife, Carrie, and her great-granddaughter, Ellen. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband and her daughter. Recently Betty lived at the Meadows in Spring Green and loved the activities and made new friends at the Meadows. A special "thank you" is due to all the caring support from the staff at the Meadows. Betty will be missed by her family and her many friends, both in Iowa City and Spring Green. She lived a full and rewarding life and made a difference in the lives of so many people who knew and loved her. All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. Wm. Shakespeare