Robinson, Irene Magdeline

Irene Magdeline Robinson, 86, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with the Lord Friday, September 11, 2009, at Northbrook Manor Care Center after a lengthy battle of breast cancer she fought with grace and courage. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church by the Rev. Phil Thompson. Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery. A Vigil, followed by a Rosary, will be held 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Teahen Funeral Home, where friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, and from 8:30 until 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Irene is survived by her husband of 63 years, William I. Robinson; four daughters, Diana (Tom) Macke of Abilene, Texas, Sandie (Jerry) Chapman, Mary (Dave) Jayne and Cindy (Dave) Wroblewski; two sons, William (Deb), all of Cedar Rapids, and Michael (Tracy) of Marion; a sister, Lucille (Raldo) Fonteyne of Sylvis, Ill.; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and six step-great grandchildren.

Her parents; three brothers, Hugh V. Phelps, Leo Phelps, Carroll Phelps; sister, Mary Pat Cobb; grandson; great-grandson; and great-granddaughter preceded Irene in death. Irene was born Dec. 11, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, daughter of Hugh F. and Irene M. Fry Phelps. She married William I. Robinson on May 28, 1946, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City. Irene was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, and a member of the Mother Cabrini Circle. Before becoming a homemaker and a mother, Irene was an Usherette at the Iowa Theatre, and a bookkeeper at SS Kresge's in Iowa City.

Irene's greatest joy was her family, watching them grow and spending time with them. Irene found strength in prayer and saying the daily rosary. Irene was a devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be deeply missed.

A memorial fund has been established in Irene's name.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Ghosh, Lynette, Sue Callahan, Jenny, Nicole, and Becky from Hospice of Mercy, the staff of Northbrook Manor Care Center, Colleen and Maureen, for their care and kindness given during Irene's illness.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .