Irene Margaret Thomas, 72, of Sandwich, IL., went home to be with her Lord, Tuesday, April 24, 2001 at Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich. She was born December 30, 1928 in Aurora, Illinois, the daughter of LaVerne and Gladys (Olson) Abens. She married George B. Thomas January 5, 1963 in Somonauk, IL.
    She was a member of Somonauk Baptist Church, where she was the Director of the Nursery and served 15 years in AWANA. Irene will be remembered by many people for her cake decorating and childcare. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting.
    Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Friday, April 27, 2001 at the Somonauk Baptist Church in Somonauk with the Pastor Scott D. Linnerud officiating. Burial will follow at West Big Rock Cemetery in Big Rock. Visitation will be Thursday, April 26, 2001 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Turner Funeral Home in Somonauk (815) 498-2363.
    She is survived by her husband, George of Sandwich; one son, Bruce Alan (Linda) Thomas; two daughters, Susan Gail (Doug) Tetrick and Lorna Jo (Barry) Harless; ten grandchildren, Katherine, James, Grace, John Calvin and Augustine Tetrick, Amy Jo, Zachary and Sara Harless, Bethany and Alan Jefferson Thomas; five brothers, Richard (Nancy) Abens of Tucson, AZ., Arnold (Gladys) Abens of Aurora, William (Janice) Abens of Sandwich, John (Anita) Abens of Sandwich and George (Nancy)Abens of Earlville; five sisters, Jean (Dennis) Sorensen of Yorkville, Dorothy (Richard) Shermer of Sandwich, Karen (James) Leisure of Sandwich, Nancy Abens of Denver, CO. and Judy Bark of Sandwich. Irene is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
    She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, LaVerne "Pete" Abens; her brother-in-law, Roger Bark; and her niece, Janice Abens Hill.