Irene M. Pearce (Nee Warner) age 98 of Grand Rapids, MN, peacefully died Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, MN, where she received comforting care the last 1.5 years.

Irene was born May 26, 1927, in St. Cloud, MN, a daughter of Peter and Mary Warner, one of twelve children. Her family moved to St. Paul, MN where she was educated at St. Andrew's parochial grade school and then Washington High School. When asked where she attended college, she would reply: "the School of Hard Knocks." Growing up during the depression she learned from family life how to stretch a dime, live on a budget and trust that the good Lord would provide.

Irene married the love of her life John "Jack" Pearce in 1948 and entered the selfless vocations of wife and motherhood. Their faith filled lives together spanned 62 years of marriage. The first 14 years resulted in a family of eight children. To keep herself grounded during these child-raising years Irene developed a passion for gardening and became a serious daily walker. As the family matured Irene was freed up to volunteer in her parish and community. She trained and worked as a Birthright counselor and helped man the phones at the suicide prevention center. Irene had a natural alto voice and could harmonize with any song. She was a member of St. Joseph's parish choir for many years. Irene was principally an introvert but very comfortable around the elderly. Each week she would assemble a colorful eye-catching outfit and bring cheer and the Eucharist to parish members living in the neighborhood nursing home. Students at St. Joseph's Catholic School knew they needed to honor the library rules when it was Mrs. Pearce's volunteering day.

When grandchildren started to arrive, Irene's grown children witnessed a metamorphosis of their mother as she shared her playful nature: traditions developed of cookie making, competitive cribbage, berry picking, crewing on their sailboat, and impromptu dancing when music moved her. All of the second generation were included in these activities, and they became ties of memories that bind.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents and all her siblings. She is survived by her eight children; John (Dawn) of Minong, WI, Mary (Ken) of Duluth, MN, Mark of Grand Rapids, MN, Gregg (Margaret) of Little Falls, MN, Joan (Chris) of Sherburne, NY, David (Cindy) of New Brighton, MN, Michael (Patrice) of Maple Grove, MN and James of Grand Rapids, MN; 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. What an honor it remains that we, her family and friends, have been allowed to share in Irene's beautiful life.

Visitation is 10:00 AM, Monday, March 23, 2026, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, MN. Father Blake Rozier will officiate. Burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Joseph's Catholic School, Grand Rapids, MN.