Irene Christine Battye

Irene Christine Battye, 84 of Crystal Falls, passed peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls. She was born in Crystal Falls, Michigan on September 20, 1932. She was the youngest, of eight brothers and sisters, born to the late Gregory and Mary (Mazurek) Tuchowski. Irene attended the Crystal Falls Schools, graduating from Crystal Falls High School in 1950. She married Gary Edward Battye at the Guardian Angels Catholic Church on May 26, 1956, who preceded her in death. Upon graduation, Irene was employed as a bookkeeper by Lindahl Chevrolet and the Bristol Mine in Crystal Falls. She is most remembered as the Bookkeeper of the North Dickinson County School District. After 23 years of service, Irene retired from North Dickinson on October 31, 1996 to welcome her first grandchild, Alexis Ann Hegstrom. Irene was an avid reader, and had a passion for cooking, especially from the Polish recipes that were passed down to her by her mother. She took pride in raising beautiful flowers and completely enjoyed bird watching in her own backyard. Irene was a devoted and loving mother. Her children and grandchildren were the most important things in her life. She will be truly remembered as a generous and loving mother and grandmother. Irene was instrumental in implementing accounting ledgers and practices for two companies; her son’s company and her son in-law business. Irene was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed not only by her family and friends, but by all those fortunate enough to have known her. Irene is survived by her son, James Edward Battye of Channing; her daughter, Christine Mary Battye-Ramirez and son in-law, John Ramirez of Rancho Viejo, Texas; grandchildren, Alexis Ann Hegstrom, Cameron James Ramirez and Elise Nicole Ramirez; a brother, Walter Tuchowski of Crystal Falls. Besides her parents and husband, Irene was preceded in death by a daughter, Ramona Angeline Hegstrom; sisters, Lorraine Rojek, Angeline Shamalius, and Rose Tuchowski; brothers, Chester, Frank, John, and infants Ted and Ed Tuchowski. Irene Christine Battye… God saw you were getting tired, so he put his arms around you and whispered, come home to me. With tearful eyes we watched you fade away, it broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Although we love you dearly, we couldn’t make you stay. A Golden Heart stopped beating, and a determined spirit too. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best. At Irene’s request, there will be no Funeral Service. Irene will be laid to rest along with her daughter Ramona Angeline Hegstrom at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls, Michigan. Father Rey Valerio will be officiating a Private Family Service. In lieu of flowers the Family will be establishing a Scholarship in Memory of Irene Battye at the North Dickinson County Schools. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Irene C. Battye online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Creation Services of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.

Irene Christine Battye

September 20, 1932 - June 4, 2017