Irma M. Stephen

Irma M. Stephen, age 105, a lifelong Romeo/Macomb County area resident, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the Lourdes Nursing Facility in Waterford, Michigan. Irma was born August 5, 1905 in Linnwood, MI., the daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Branshau) Parsons. She lived in the Romeo area and taught at the McKay Country School beginning in 1926 after one year’s training at Bay County Norman. She married Howard Stephen, an area farmer, and quit teaching for a few years while raising her children. Following Howard’s death in 1942, she moved into the Village of Romeo and started teaching again, this time at the Davis Country School. Also during the War, she worked at the Detroit Tank Arsenal in Warren, while completing her teaching degree. After the War, she started teaching at the Romeo North Grade School, and then was one of the first teachers at newly opened Croswell Grade School where she worked until retirement in 1972. While living in Romeo, she was a lifelong member of St Clement Catholic Church and a member of its Altar Society. She was also a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, Striber McVicar Post # 2052. Her hobbies include playing bingo, playing bridge, and keeping in contact with the Country School Teachers Association. Irma is survived by her sons: Jim (Jackie) Stephen of Lake Orion, John of Richmond, MI., and Marcia Tschirhart of Waterford, MI. Also survived by 8 grandchildred, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Irma is also survived by her brother Benjamin Parsons of Bay City. Funeral services will take place on Friday at 10 AM at St Clement Catholic Church of Romeo with burial to follow at the Bruce-Armada Cemetery in Bruce Township. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3-9 PM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo Michigan. Donations to Lourdes Nursing Facility would be appreciated. Visitation: on Thursday from 3-9 PM Malburg Funeral Home 11280 32 Mile Road Romeo, Michigan 48065 Services: on Friday at 10 AM St Clement Catholic Church 343 S. Main Romeo, Michigan 48065 Interment: Bruce-Armada Cemetery Bruce Township, Michigan