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Irene (Rankin) Wilson died peacefully on January 10, 2024. Irene (aka Rene or Renie) was born in Brownsville, Ohio, in April 1915 to Gladys and Charles Rankin. Most of her childhood was spent happily on their family farm. On September 18, 1937, Irene married Dr. Richard (Dick) Wilson, a marriage lasting 69 years. Dick and she settled in Fremont, Ohio, in 1947 so Dick could establish his medical practice there. During their long residency in Fremont, they raised four children and became well-immersed in the community in various ways. Irene was a long-time member of the First United Presbyterian Church where she served as both a deaconess and a Sunday School teacher. Her deep faith was an important presence in her life and was on full display in the way she lived her life. She was an avid reader and particularly loved the novel Pride and Prejudice. Irene belonged to The Coterie, a literary group in Fremont, for many years. Athletically, she excelled at tennis and golf. She became a club champion at the Fremont Country Club. Irene was an excellent cook and had a flair for entertaining. Her rhubarb pie and vegetable soup were world-renowned. Rene created lovely needlepoint works and knitted stylish sweaters. She also performed beautiful music on her baby grand piano. “Rhapsody in Blue” was one of her favorites to play, always with great passion. A challenging crossword puzzle was never far from her reach. Watching Ohio State football games was a favorite pastime, although she did often complain that the OSU marching band never received enough TV coverage. She was also a well-respected bridge player and always welcomed a competitive game of bridge with her friends. In addition, her fondness for animals was evident in all of the cats, dogs, horses, and even a few ducks she loved and cared for throughout her life. Remarkably, when Rene was in her late sixties, she learned how to type braille and volunteered her brailling services to a company that produced Sunday School lessons in braille. This volunteer work continued well into her nineties.In 1976 Irene and Dick retired to Fountain Hills, Arizona, where they enjoyed a wonderful, active retirement until they returned to Ohio in 2003 to be closer to family. Irene, at 108 years old, was preceded in death by nearly everyone she knew. But, the most important and beloved people who left before her were: her husband, Dr. Richard Wilson; her parents, Gladys and Charles Rankin and three of her four siblings, Baird Rankin, David Rankin, and Marge Weaver. She is survived by her four children: Stephen R. Wilson (Cherie) of Oceanside, CA, James R. Wilson (Abby Jane) of Taylor Falls, MN, Chris Harnden (Hal) of Lancaster, OH, and Abby Kurth (Larry) of San Antonio, TX; seven grandchildren: Carmen, Andrew, Jennifer, Nicholas, Max, Dana, and Urks; seven great grandchildren: Zachary, Tyler, Grant, Molly, Nathan, Ella, and Callie plus Irene’s sister, Martha Hatfield. She will be deeply missed by all of these family members. Irene lived an accomplished and abundant life and was loved and admired by many. Her amazing legacy will be celebrated privately by her family. If so inclined, memorial contributions may be made to Fremont Ross Music Boosters Organization or Braille Institute of America

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Irene Rankin Wilson

April 29, 1915 - January 1, 2024