Irish-Gorvin, Barbara Jean

Barbara Jean Irish-Gorvin

God graced us with His presence when He freed Barb from her pain and reunited her in heaven into the loving arms of her Mom (Anna Mary), Dad (James Edwin), and siblings Paula, Bruce and Jimmy.

Barbara Jean Irish-Gorvin, born Aug. 20,1962, wife, partner, best friend of Maureen T. Irish-Gorvin and mother of Kyle Nicholaus Irish-Gorvin and Madison Maureen Irish-Gorvin, passed away June 10, 2010, at 8:50 a.m. in her home.

Barb was daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, friend, partner, wife and Mom. Barb fought the hardest, longest battle of her life these last four years against her opponent of breast cancer. God saw that she was tiring and guided her into His arms to relieve her from her struggle.

On May 3, 1997, Barb married her best friend, Maureen. Then again on May 3, 2010, they renewed their vows, with their children proudly by their sides, as they legalized their commitment to each other.

Barb leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, which she taught to Maureen, and has passed down to their children, Kyle and Madison.

Barb's love of Tae Kwon Do for the past 30 years allowed her to teach and inspire many students and friends. She believed in the “art” of TKD and it is that art that allowed her, and kept her fighting her battle so tirelessly for so long. The only love that was greater in her life than TKD was Maureen, Kyle and Madison.

Barb is survived by her siblings, Pam, Sue, Pat, Mic, Paul, Connie and Don. She leaves behind a long list of nieces and nephews and friends.

Barb was a member of New Song Episcopal Church in Coralville for many years.

Flowers will be provided and chosen by Madison, Kyle and Maureen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 14, at Old Brick, downtown Iowa City, with Sunday parking ordinance in effect on the streets around the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. The Rev. Elizabeth Coulter will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Barb's children's education at Hills Bank & Trust Co.

Online condolences may be sent through the Web at