Obituary: Irene Thurston

Irene Marie Thurston, age 92, of Brewster, MN passed away Friday, February 15, 2013 at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.

Irene Marie Ditch was born December 17, 1920, in Brewster, MN, the daughter of the late Lee and Regina (Weldinger) Ditch. She attended schools in Brewster and Okabena. Irene was united in marriage to Leonard Thurston on March 12, 1938. The couple made their home on a farm in the Brewster area. They continued to farm until 1977 when they moved into Brewster. She worked as a cook at the Brewster school and worked for Campbell Soup Company in Worthington for over 30 years. In 2011, she moved to The Meadows, in Worthington, where she continued to make her home until the time of her death.

Irene was a wonderful Christian wife and mother. She was an excellent homemaker. She was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Brewster. She served on the Ladies Guild, Rosary Club, Bible Study and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, making rosaries, cooking, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. A good day for Irene was spending time with those that she loved. Besides her deep devotion to God and the Church, Irene was deeply devoted to her family.

Irene is survived by her three children: MaryAnn Cromwell, Seattle, WA; Robert (Joanne) Thurston, Spicer, MN; Earl (Kathy) Thurston, Fulda, MN; daughter-in-law JoAnne Thurston, OR; 13 grandchildren: Teresa, Mary Beth, Kelly, Jill, Lori, Jeff, Traci, Rob, Bryon, Keith, Angela, Kimberly and Daniel; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leonard, sons: Bill and Larry, son-in-law Larry Cromwell, daughters-in-law; Mary Thurston and Gretchen “Mike” Thurston and granddaughter Caroline Sue.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Brewster, MN, with Father Russell Scepaniak officiating. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hospice of Murray County.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of arrangements.

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