Irene Elizabeth Wells, age 76, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Knox, IN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, December 21, 2020 after a long illness. She was born on December 23, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to Margaret Lomker Wells and Clifton H. Wells, who both preceded her in death. A nephew, Christopher Pryor, also preceded her in death.
Irene was the oldest of three daughters. Her sister, Margaret “Anne” Pryor preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by her sister, Mary and brother-in-law Ray Hochgesang of Valparaiso, IN, two nieces, Wendy McAlpine and her husband Adam of Valparaiso, IN and Penny Pryor of Phoenix, Arizona, and several great-nieces and nephews.
Irene was a 1962 graduate of Knox High School. She embraced the idealistic spirit of the Sixties and loved traveling and exploring new cultures and ideas. Irene attended several colleges and universities including Ancilla College and the University of New Mexico, finally completing a degree in nursing from Purdue North Central. Irene combined her love of travel with her profession, working for many years as a nurse for the Indian Health Service in the Southwest. She loved James Dean, classic movies, and collecting turquoise jewelry. Throughout her travels, Irene always returned home to Knox to see family and friends.
A visitation will take place on Saturday, December 26, 2020 from 11am to 1pm (CT) at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox. A private service will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46607.
