Life-long Chesterton resident Irene J. Spann died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, at her home after a battle with cancer.

Born May 16, 1912, in Assumption, Ill., she was the daughter of George Bartley Wright and Florence (Neeley) Wright, who both preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Spann.

She is survived by two children, John P. Spann, of Chesterton and Catherine (Joseph) Saly, of Crystal Shores, Fla.

She is also survived by four grandchildren; Michael (Patricia) McCauley, Colleen (Gregory) Caveny, Kathleen (John Wirtz) and Julia Spann and two great-grandchildren; Eric McCauley and Melissa McCauley.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Vera Sue Gole.

She was a life-long resident of Chesterton and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She was a member of the Gallery Quilters at the Chesterton Art Gallery for many years and helped create many beautiful quilts, many of which were raffled off at the annual Art Fair to benefit the Art Gallery, now Chesterton Art Center.

She gave many years volunteering her time to Meals on Wheels and with income tax assistance and tax counseling at the Westchester Public Library.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 15, from St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Rd., Chesterton, with Rev. James Mead officiating.

Interment will be in Chesterton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton.

The Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Premier Hospice of LaPorte, St. Patrick Catholic Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Posted 12/12/2003