Irene J (Weber) Jessup

Irene Weber Jessup, 93, Bloomington, passed quickly and peacefully from this life Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, in Greenwood.

Irene was born Feb. 27, 1920, in South Bend, daughter of German immigrants Fredrick and Myrtle (Fowler) Weber. She graduated from South Bend Riley in 1938 along with her high school sweetheart, Maurice E. Jessup. They married July 3, 1942, on a three-day military pass in Fort Knox, Ky. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage.

The couple soon began their military lives together. Their 36 years in the U.S. Army spanned WWII, Korea and Vietnam era. They relocated to over 46 stations domestically and internationally, including the Pacific, Germany, Korea, and as an embassy attache in Cyprus. During this time, her husband rose from lieutenant to the rank of full colonel, retiring in 1978. Irene fulfilled duties as an officer's wife in many untold ways of aid, sacrifice, and comfort. Wherever Irene was stationed, she felt it was her duty to represent not only her family and the United States Army, but also the United States in a positive manner. After retirement in 1978, the couple moved to their permanent residence in Bloomington. There they settled into civilian life enjoying family, weekly ballroom dancing, golf, gardening and expanding their circle of friends.

Irene is survived by four children, Maurene Jessup of Nashville, Gregory (Sue) Jessup of Greenwood, Christene Jessup (Scott) Newlund of Columbus, and Kathlene Jessup (Paul) Maurer of Greenwood; family friend, Robert (Sharon) Shaner of Charlotte, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

She wanted all of her grand and great-grandchildren to know how much she loved each of them. "Smile and the world smiles with you," was her motto.

She was predeceased by her husband, Col. Maurice E. Jessup; parents; and sister, Marie Weber Gruelle.

Irene will be interred next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

08/31/2024 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122233804/irene_j_jessup