Irene Geocaris Obituary

Dear Connie and Family
As I was awaiting sleep to overtake me April 8th, I had such vivid happy memories of my Godmother and also of your grandmother Anna. Now another chance to post a few.
At 5 years old I could see your grandparents home from the "L" tracks as our train left or approached the Linden Avenue station, Wilmette. And from our home near the golf course my mom would walk me there to visit "Big Nouna" (Irene) and "Little Nouna," her mother. What fun it was--Irene was so loving.

Since last June I have been living with my son here in Irvine
helping take care of my 5-year-old granddaughter, and I think that
stirred up more than an hour of nostalgia. And I think, also, this is near
where your brother Jim lives. I was so glad to have spoken with one of his daughters at the family memorial 10 years ago. We live just a few blocks from UC-Irvine.

I think of the legacy of your Drake grandparents---"G.T." was my dad's best man. Your Uncle George was junior usher at my parents' wedding.
Your dad's little sister and I were the youngest attending your parents'
wedding.
Your grandmother was the first president of the St. Andrew's (Church) Woman's Club and set a high standard for those who followed.

Your grandmother, my dad--both age 63,- and then G.T. died at 6-month intervals. Life is short. Special people make it wonderful. Irene was very special.

much love, dorothea

I have known Rene since we were thirteen and freshmen at New Trier. I'm sure she was always baffled by my total lack of coordination since she was grace personified but she never let on. She was also kindness personified, to her beloved family of course, but to everyone else as well. The last time I saw her, about a year ago, she had arranged (and it took repeated phone calls on her part) a meeting of five of us for lunch with an old friend who died not long afterwards. His family assured us all that it had meant the world to him to get together that last time and it really was all due to Rene. It was a joy to be her friend and I shall always cherish her memory.

Our heart goes out to your family and friends as you mourn the death of your loved one.

May God's Word, "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more..." may these words be a source of strength in your time of mourning.

Dear Connie,
We were very sad to read about your Mom. She will be missed. I will never forget how she worked for Girls tennis in Winnetka. How she mobilized all of us, and kept us going, and loving it, until it all became a reality. Those memories of Irene will always be vivid, and cherished, but the girls/women, who still play so well, and those of us who helped her make it so. Our prayers and sincer sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely,

Your remembrance of your mother in the Pioneer Press is a true tribute to her and well deserved. I've known her since 1966 and recently had the seat next to hers at the symphony concerts. She was extraordinary, and it was a privilege to know her. My thoughts go out to all of you.

I am so proud of the influence my Godmother had on my life. Her great ideas, openness, grace and love were an inspiration.
May the memory of Irene's special smile and cheerful voice bring comfort.

Dear Family and Friends,

I just read about the death of your loved one. I am truly sorry for your loss. God's Word promises us that very soon, even death, will be no more. That is a very sobering thought. I hope this brings you some comfort.

Your family is in my prayers.
L. Sydnor

Irene was "Mrs. Tennis"! Nobody enjoyed the sport more than she. I have fond memories of our many games together. She made a huge contribution to women's tennis, particularly in Winnetka.

Having grown up 1/2 mile down the road, I was very close to Aunt Irene and all of the Geocaris family.

She was a strong woman who always encouraged people to do what was right. For me, she always projected a positive outlook and a generous soul.

I will have her as part of me always.

I was so grieved to hear just this morning of the death of Rene, one of my oldest and best friends. We both went to New Trier, and were sports fiends - Rene much more skilled than any of us, but all loving the games we played. We have kept in touch over the years - my heart goes out to her wonderful family whose members meant the whole world to her.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Irene was a lovely woman whose big heart and warm smile will long be remembered.

She was truly a beautiful woman and I will miss her.

What a pleasure to have known Irene. She will be missed

All our love during this time of your loss.
I look back fondly on Mark and Connies wonderful wedding and the vollyball games on the beach. Our thought are with you.

Irene and I extend our deepest condolances to all the family. We are sure you will cherish many fond memories of her to help assuage the grief of her passing.