Irene Lucile (Campbell) Nelson-Hale

Irene Lucile Nelson-Hale, age 89 of Grand Haven, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake, MI. She was born on September 28, 1931 in Breckenridge, MI to William and Mae (Welch) Campbell. Irene married Gerald Nelson in 1949 who preceded her in death in 1990 after 41 years of marriage. She then married Robert Hale in 2010 who preceded her in death in 2015.

Irene raised her four children on the Nelson family farm in St. Louis, MI. She made lasting friendships with the “Gratiot Girls” at Gratiot Community Hospital, where she worked third-shift at for 17 years. In order to be closer to her grown daughters, Irene moved to Grand Haven in 1995, where she took pride in her work as a Disability Support Worker in group homes and at Kandu Industries until her retirement.

Irene was a current member of the Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene and former member of Trinity Reformed Church. Prior to her disabling stroke in 2011, Irene’s serving heart helped many people in her church and at her senior living complex. She loved being a part of the Kid’s Hope Program where she went to the elementary schools and mentored underprivileged children.

 Irene enjoyed cooking big meals, crocheting, gardening, going camping with her family, going on daily walks with her friends, and playing board games. She especially loved making memories with her grandchildren; taking them to many fun places and going on their school field trips. Irene never let her disability stop her, as she remained a strong vocal advocate for her living community. Her life was a living example of her favorite bible verse, Philippians 4:13- “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Irene had a huge love for dogs, especially her beloved dachshund, Tootsie. Her visits and kisses from her grand-dog, Holly, always made her day. Irene could light up a room with her contagious smile and make a hospital room full of staff laugh with her witty comments. She was a strong, independent woman who always wanted to feel and look her best; always taking extra time to pick out her wardrobe with matching jewelry the night before.

Irene is survived by her son, Roger Nelson of Midland, MI; daughters, Joella (Roger) Stimson and Lynn (Tom) Scott, all of Grand Haven; daughter-in-law, Pam Nelson; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and so many others who called her “Mom” and “Grandma” whom she loved and touched their lives deeply.

She was preceded in death by her son, Melvin Nelson; two sisters, Iva Thrush and Ina Northrup; granddaughter, Jill Nelson (Jones); grandson, Nicholas Nelson; and former son-in-law, Robert Erskin.

A Celebration of Irene’s Life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Ron Heiler officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the church, the day of the service.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, masks and social distancing will be required at all services, which will be limited in capacity.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene. 

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