Irene M. (Burd) Fohringer

Irene M. Fohringer, 98, formerly of Millheim, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 10th at Salem Hill Haven.  Born October 3, 1918 in Coburn, Irene was a daughter of the late Ceden and Beulah (Musser) Burd.  On June 19, 1937, Irene married Odell R. Fohringer who preceded her in death in March 2002.

Irene was employed at the former Millheim Hosier Mill and the former Valley Manufacturing, both in Millheim.  Prior to being employed, Irene worked alongside Odell on their farm in Penn Township.  She was a member of the St. James United Methodist Church in Coburn.  Irene enjoyed watching TV and doing word search puzzles, however, Irene’s greatest love was quilting.  After a quilt was pieced, Irene could quilt it completely herself in about 2 weeks.  Every year she quilted the quilt that was donated to the Millheim Fire Company.  Her best accomplishment was quilting the Millheim Bicentennial quilt.  She took great pride in her work and was completely surprised at the amount of money that the Bicentennial quilt was auctioned for.   

Irene is survived by three sons, James O. Fohringer (Earla) of Luthersburg, Robert L. Fohringer (Joyce) of Centre Hall and Gary E. Fohringer (Lois) of Woodward; one sister-in-law, Betty Burd; seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.  Also surviving are five step grandchildren, fourteen step great grandchildren and ten step great great grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, Irene was preceded in death by two sons, infant Daniel and Larry Fohringer; five sisters, Kathryn Witmer, Carrie Brungard, Madeline Wise, Marian Fohringer, and Grace Miller; and five brothers, Ray, William, James, Nevin and John Burd. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 18th from 9:30 – 11:00 am at St. James United Methodist Church in Coburn.  The funeral will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Chris Lutz officiating.  Irene will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Millheim.  Contributions in memory of Irene may be given to Salem Hill Haven, 424 Heckman Cemetery Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.

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