Irene Elizabeth Sheren

February 5, 1953 - April 22, 2020

Traverse City - Irene Elizabeth Sheren, 67, a life-long resident of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at MediLodge- Traverse City surrounded by her family. Irene was born on Thursday, February 5, 1953 to the late John and Lois (Brakel) Alpers in Traverse City. She was a graduate of St. Francis High School. Irene married Thomas M. Sheren on Saturday, May 29, 1976 at St. Mary's of Hannah Catholic Church. Irene was the eldest daughter of seven and was raised in a tiny home on Silver Lake. She cherished these tight quarters and was the quintessential peacekeeper; skills that she would employ for many years as an advocate for the community at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. Her greatest joys were family and the water both having been fostered at a young age. On so many occasions, she would pack her children up and head for one of the many lakes in the area with her special places being on the shores of Lake Michigan and on Silver Lake. She also enjoyed working in her flower gardens and canning; her tomatoes and dill pickles were famous. Irene was genuine and had a gentle spirit. Many people were drawn to the good in her and she saw the good in everyone. The ones most unfortunate had a special place in her heart. She lived this life for others always wanting them to be happy with full bellies. Irene is survived by her husband, Tom; by her children, Tom (Melissa Bentgen) of Traverse City, Rose (Keith) Guimond of Kingsley, Tim of Oahu, Hawaii; her beloved grandchildren, TJ, Ryan, Ava, Mya and Alton. Also surviving are her siblings, Jerry (LouAnn) Alpers of Bellaire, Mary Alpers of Traverse City, Jim (Caron) Alpers of Interlochen, Alvin (Dianna) Alpers of Kalamazoo, Robert (Wendy) Alpers of Traverse City, and John (Sonia) Alpers of Rudyard, along with many nieces and nephews and her extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant son. A very special thank you to MediLodge-Traverse City and Heartland Hospice for all of the wonderful care they provided to our mother and wife. Family and friends are invited to join together for a virtual Rosary and visitation on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 7:00 PM. You may join this web-streamed service by going to www.RJFH.tv, click on Irene's photo and you will then join in the live webcast of the service. Due to the current Stay Home-Stay Safe order, the funeral home is not open for friends and family to attend in person. A Mass and celebration of life will take place later. Interment will be in St. Mary's of Hannah Cemetery. The family has asked that memorial contributions in Irene's memory be directed to Jubilee House, c/o Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St., Traverse City, MI 49684.