Irene Atwood, of Hobart, passed away Friday, July 31, 2015. She was born on March 18, 1929 in Harlan, Kentucky to the late John and Mable Christian. Irene worked as a long distance operator for Southern Bell. She was employed by the Lake County Public Library as a Children's Paraprofessional and Branch Manager. Irene was a charter member of the First Baptist Church of New Chicago. She volunteered as a secretary and teacher for ABC Bible School, superintendent for Vacation Bible School and Sunday School Teacher and Department Superintendent. Irene graduated from puppetry workshops and had continuing education from "The Art of Clowning Class". She was an artist and loved being a servant of the Lord.

She is survived by her daughters: Marsha West, Melody (Jim Gibson) Hutnick, Theresa (Troy) Strong, Charlotte (Robert) Norman; grandchildren: David (Stacey) Hutnick, Marisha (Rick) Sherwood, Alisha (John) O'Brien, Christa (Christian) Alonza, Ashley (Jaime) Alvarez, Scott (Lisa) Norman, Shannon Johnson, Jeremy Johnson; great grandchildren: Chance Sherwood, Peighton O'Brien, Brandon (Brandiace) Duffy, Alyssa Rospierski, Christian Hutnick, Chrystal Alonza, Christopher Alonza, Jaime Alvarez, Benjamin Alvarez, Bailey Alvarez, Natalie Norman; great great granddaughter: Autumn Duffy.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents: John and Mable Christian; husband: Robert Atwood Jr.; grandchildren: Todd Norman, Jason West; great granddaughter: Jaiden Norman; brothers: Howard Christian, Vernon Christian; sister: Lorene Brock.

Visitation for Irene will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. A graveside service will take place Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 11:00 am directly at Calvary Cemetery, 2701 Willowdale Road, Portage, Indiana, where she will be laid to rest. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.