Irene P. Estelle

Irene Pauline (Smith) Estelle passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024. She was born on June 21, 1936, in East Lansing, MI to Edith and Gaylord Smith. In 1954, Irene married the love of her life, Jan Estelle and had two daughters, Teresa, and Roxanne. Irene and Jan grew up in the East Lansing area where they had many fond memories. Irene was a very involved, hard-working woman who provided for her family by gardening, canning, running rentals, and raising her girls. Alongside her husband Jan, she immersed herself in many community, school, and church organizations. In 1967, Irene’s dad, Grandpa Smith purchased property near what is today, A-Ga-Ming golf course, situated on West Torch Lake. It was there that would set the stage for many memorable trips up north for Irene and her family. The family enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and fishing at their up north vacation home. In 1978, they bought Pick Kwik store in Kalkaska, MI, which they ran for 23 years. Alongside her husband, Irene transformed the little store into a local favorite complete with a deli and of course, a place to buy delicious donuts. Irene formed many friendships with local families, where she became involved in the community, especially the Kalkaska Commission on Aging. In 1986, Irene and Jan bought a cabin at the south end of Torch Lake in Kalkaska County. She shared her beautiful location on the south end of Torch Lake by hosting many Fourth of July parties. In retirement, Irene and Jan enjoyed going on many boating excursions with family and friends. She passed on her love of lake life to her grandkids and great grandkids who grew up with Torch Lake as their playground. Irene provided them with countless hours of swimming, jet skiing, fishing, and boating. In her later years she sat on her deck overlooking the lake and enjoyed countless hours of solitude and peace. Irene was strong-willed and independent, but her family was always nearby to take care of her, giving her a balanced life with love and support. Irene often accompanied grandson Joel on his impromptu adventures. Whether it was a trip to the Rapid River to pan for gold or cultivating a garden, Joel made sure to include Grandma Estelle. Her loving daughters Teresa and Roxanne bonded together and cared for Irene with strength and grace. Their mom would pass into her next journey with the blue tint of Torch Lake staring back at her through her bedroom window. A lifetime of memories, laughter and love will accompany her on the next phase of her life. The Lord whispers, “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you.” -Isaiah 43:2 Irene is survived by daughters Teresa (Theron) Lee, and Roxanne (Mark) Findley, grandchildren, Brandie Findley, Whitney (Bob) McCartney, Eva Findley, and great-grandchildren Findley McCartney and Wyatt Findley. Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Jan Estelle, grandson, Joel Findley, sister Nancy Robinson and Gaylord D. Smith. Irene is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as Curtis Smith, Mary Ellen (Tom) Sheets, John Eberly, Norm (Gay) Eberly, Bill (Pat) Estelle. Services will be held at Kalkaska Funeral Home on Saturday, January 27 with visitation starting at 12:00PM and service at 1:00 PM. A luncheon will follow services in the lower level of Kalkaska Funeral Home. Donations can be made to Kalkaska Commission on Aging. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Irene P. Estelle

June 21, 1936 - January 14, 2024