Irene Andree's Obituary
Irene Andree passed away peacefully at Lakeshore Assisted Living in Grand Haven on March 7, 2023, two days before her 101st birthday. She was born in Spring Lake on March 9, 1922 to Harry and Gertrude (Eckelcamp) Bolton, and married Dick Andree on March 3, 1947. He preceded her in death on June 27, 1984. They lived in Spring Lake until 1965 when they moved to Muskegon so Irene could be closer to her job at Doo Drop Inn where she was a popular hostess for fifty years from 1956 until the restaurant closed in 2006. Her out-going personality was the key to her success and longevity in that role. The highlight of her career came when she greeted John F. Kennedy at his campaign stop at Doo Drop Inn on September 5, 1960. She truly loved her job which was an important part of her life as was the relationship she and Dick had with Carl Denslow and his family. She also became close friends with her co-workers, enjoying lunches and outings with them. She maintained those cherished friendships her entire life.
Fiercely independent, she lived in her beloved home until last year, where she enjoyed feeding the squirrels, watching the deer and turkeys in her yard, raking leaves in the fall, and baking oatmeal cookies and banana bread for her family and friends.
She especially enjoyed thoroughbred racing, casino gambling, and trips to Las Vegas, and loved telling stories about her adventures. At the age of 99, she was thrilled to win $7,000 at a quarter slot machine at Little River Casino.
She is survived by her stepson, Bill (Karen) Andree, four grandchildren; Debra (Jim) Davenport, Kelly (Wes) Verhulst, Kendra Sumner, and Kurt Andree; three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mariann Mueller, and her granddaughter, Terri Mueller.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Spring Lake Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Memories of Irene can be shared on the online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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