Irene May Pearson, age 70, of Belleville, born December 30, 1952, in Stourbridge, England, to Thomas Stanley Eric Pearson, and Irene Mary [nee Westwood], passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois.

Irene immigrated with her family from Stourbridge, England to Adelaide, South Australia in 1957.  Growing up, she played field hockey in high school.  Irene was a "one-eyed Roosters" fan, supporting North Adelaide Football Club in the local South Australian Football League.  Later in life, she also became a fan of the Collingwood "Magpies"  Football Club in the national competition.  Irene maintained lifelong devotion to nursing and serving the people of the communities in which she lived.  In 2008, family ties and her nursing experience brought her to the USA, and in 2012, Irene was granted Permanent Resident status.  Throughout her time in the USA, Irene continued her life-long vocation as a Registered Nurse, traveling the country, seeing so much of this land, and touching many lives in the process.  Whilst nursing was Irene's passion and purpose, she loved her family dearly, her grandchildren meant the world to her and gave her so much joy.

She completed Primary education from Gilles Plains Primary School in 1965.  Her secondary education was completed in 1970 from Gilles Plains High School.

Irene commenced training as a Registered Nurse in 1970, at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, in South Australia, and completed her training in 1975.  Her Bachelor of Nursing Practice education was completed in 2000.  In 2005, Irene completed post-graduate education in Maternity Nursing.  Over the span of her career in both Australia and the USA, and in many different capacities, she was a dedicated RN, healthcare professional, and servant for over 48 years.  During that time, as a floor nurse, educator, and mentor, Irene loved every second of her working life and has shaped the lives of many nurses and professionals in which she had contact with.  At the time of her death, Irene was a full-time and dedicated member of the nursing team of the Orthopedic Division on 1 South at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois, a place where she felt like she worked alongside her family and always came to work with a smile and spring in her step. Irene was married twice; her former husbands are Peter Rust and Steven Schmidt. Over the past several years, she enjoyed spending time and traveling with her partner Ernest Hayes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and grandchild Dylan Henderson.

Surviving are her children: Christianna (Sean) Murray [nee Pearson] of Belleville, Illinois; Felicity (Victor) Martin [nee Rust], of Canberra, Australia; and, Steven Pearson, of Salisbury North, South Australia.  Surviving grandchildren are Caitlin Scott, Jayden Henderson, and Kelsey Henderson. Irene was loved very much and will be missed dearly by her family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com .

In Memory of Irene May Pearson, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

The family held a private gathering on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 7 – 8 P.M. at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W Washington St, O'Fallon, IL, 62269.  Private cremation to follow.