Irene Friend

Irene Friend, 76, of Connersville, passed away Friday morning, April 19, 2019, at her home. Irene was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, born June 17, 1942, the only child of William and Marion Joyce Simpson, both of whom preceded her in death. She worked as a travel agent before immigrating to the USA in 1977, living in Virgina, and Hawaii, finally settling in Connersville in 1984. Irene had been employed as an assistant to attorney Joe Heeb for several years after working at Containerkraft Box Company. She was most proud of organizing the original Armed Forces Parade that was an annual local attraction for several years. Irene loved to travel, cook, and was an expert level player of Mario Brothers. She never knew a stranger, and loved helping people in any way she could. Most recently, Irene was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Irene is survived by her children: Victoria Cole of Connersville, M. Caleb Friend of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandchildren: Sarah (Alex) Miller of Indianapolis, Carah (Ray) Gonzalez of Jacksonville, Florida, Caleb Friend and Breanna Marie Friend, both of Indianapolis; her great-grandchildren: Ava and Cameron Gonzalez. Private funeral services will be conducted at a later date following cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to Premier Hospice, 11550 North Meridian Street, Suite 375, Carmel, IN 46032 or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Foundation, 3300 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134, or to Autism Speaks, 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.