Irene F. Beard

Irene's beautiful handwriting tipped you off right away - there was something extraordinary about her. Not many women manage a successful business until the age of 90. Fewer still live to be well over 100. Yet most extraordinary thing about Irene was that she wanted just one thing: to share her blessings with the friends, family, community she loved. Irene Francis Murphy entered the world just as it entered a new century. Born in Scottville, Michigan on August 28, 1902, Irene was welcomed into a strong catholic family headed by her her father, Thomas Murphy, and her mother, Ruth Kellar. The Murphy's had six children in all. There was Nettie, Irene, Leona, Tressa, Lois and then the boy, little Elery, though he died of diphtheria early on. Farm life was hard and full of endless chores. Luckily, the Murphy's had an extended network of family nearby, and they worked together to make ends meet. When Irene headed off to high school, she began boarding at a room in town. Only on Fridays would she confront the long, up-hill-both-ways walk back to the farm. Like every girl, Irene looked forward to the nights when she could dress up and go out dancing. It was most likely at one of the town socials that she bumped into Donald Beard, a handsome young man from Riverton Township. As they talked more and more, Donald and Irene discovered that they both came from farm homes, and that they both looked forward to the day when they could have a family of their own. On September 3, 1921, the couple married in Scottville surrounded by a wealth of well wishes of their family and friends. Donald and Irene decided to begin married life in Muskegon, where Donald took a job in a grocery store. They settled into the community and made it sound so wonderful that, soon, they had convinced some of their other family members to settle nearby. Soon there were five more family members on the scene, they being Donald and Irene's five children. Donna, Russell, Bethelee, Patricia, and Carolynn were raised just Irene had been, in a strong catholic family. In addition to attending St. Mary's Catholic Church, the children also attended St. Mary's Catholic School. Irene very much involved herself in the PTA. She enjoyed being active in her children's schooling, whether that meant helping at school functions or attending one of their concerts or activities. Irene was also on the Alter society at Church and involved in the Ladies Guild there too. Being that she was such a good cook, she never hesitated to entertain and have dinners for friends and church members. Once in a while, Irene also helped out at the local polling office, though whenever she did she was sure to stir up a debate with Donald. He was a democrat and she a republican, and they never failed to laugh at being on opposing sides. By the 1930s, the Great Depression had begun to change the American political climate. Jobs were scarce, so Irene and Donald worked together to create jobs of their own. In the midst of the Depression they bravely embarked on a business venture, establishing Beard Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners Service in 1933. While Irene tended to the facts, figures, and phones, Donald cleaned furniture endlessly, by hand, using a scrub brush and some P & G soap. There was no machinery involved, just good old-fashioned elbow grease. Perhaps it was luck or good business or fate, but whatever the reason, Beard Cleaners not only survived the Depression, it flourished for the next thirty years. Eventually there was some high-powered equipment involved, but the core of the business remained unchanged. "I took all the calls for 30 years," Irene said, "and after awhile, I could tell every person by their voice." Irene loved talking to people and providing honest, good service. The entire community knew her, and subsequently her business, as one of the friendliest around. In 1963, after learning that Donald had lung cancer, Irene and Donald resolved to sell their business. Plans were made and almost carried out, until Irene had a change of heart. Irene needed to immerse herself in the business she loved, especially when Donald passed away shortly after his diagnosis. Russell stepped up to help his mother, moving in with her and becoming her business partner. Over the years, Irene maintained close contact with her extended family, especially with her sisters. Together they attended the Murphy family reunions, which were big, fun affairs that centered around the family tree. It stood there on display for everyone to see, inspiring all to celebrate Irish Catholic heritage. Irene loved all the festivities, especially singing old Irish songs. Watching her own family grow only added to Irene's sense of family pride. With twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren, and sixteen great great grand children, Irene soon had to throw family reunions just for her branch of the family. Irene continued to run the carpet and upholstery business with her son well in to her 90s. Her voice was a bit shakier, yet it never lost its warm and friendly tone. Irene and Russell shared a very close bond, and while he had cooked for his mother and driven her everywhere over the past few years, his health soon interfered. Irene was blessed with impeccably good health and was able to comfort her son, Russell, as he neared the end of his life. She stayed by his side until his death, which came just four weeks before her own. Determined to stay active, she decided to make friends with everyone. It wasn't hard considering her likable nature. It gave everyone a smile when Irene, proper Catholic girl that she was, spelled out swear words instead of saying them. It was one of the funniest things the staff members had ever seen. Irene excelled at life. Not only was hers long in duration, it was impeccably rich in laughter, faith, and love. A true blessing, Irene will always be remembered and greatly missed. Irene Francis Beard, age 103, died Tuesday, April 4, 2006. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald in 1963, a son, Russell in 2006, and 2 grandsons, Jeffery and Mark Kordecki. Irene is survived by four daughters: Donna (Edward) Ruud and Bethelee Kordecki, both of Muskegon; Patricia (Paul) Kroes of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; and Carolynn Dietz of Boardman, Ohio. Other family members include her twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren, and sixteen great great grandchildren. A service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Julian Reginato officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with Irene's family on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM, with a Rosary service at 7:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Building Fund. You may learn more about Irene and sign the online guest book at www.lifestorynet.com.