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Irene M. Hosking

Born: 4/20/1918
Died: 8/4/2024
Age: 106
Community: Corunna, MI

Irene M. Hosking, 106, of Corunna, passed away peacefully at her home, on August 4, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel, 520 W. Main St., Owosso, MI 48867. Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel from 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with military honors at 5:00 p.m. Visitation also on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with the Saginaw VA Nurse Honor Guard service at 5:00 p.m. and the Order of the Eastern Star service at 7:00 p.m. by the Fenton Chapter 248.

Born on April 20, 1918, in Hurley, Wisconsin, Iron County, to proud parents, Harry and Hilma Cox, Irene’s early life was marked by a spirited dedication to her education and service to others.

A 1936 graduate of Hurley High School, Irene’s pursuit of knowledge and desire to contribute to the greater good led her to the Passavant Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee, where she completed her studies in 1940. Her deep sense of patriotism and commitment to her country was exemplified when she entered the United States Army on May 15, 1942. Irene served bravely during World War II, earning the respect and admiration of her peers as she received the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, a Victory Medal, and four Overseas Service Bars. Her service culminated in an honorable discharge on February 21, 1946, at Fort Sheridan, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Irene's medical expertise, particularly in anesthesiology, was acquired while stationed in Townsville, Australia under the direction of Captain Malcolm Hawk, was not only a point of personal pride but also an invaluable skill that led her to Brisbane, Australia, to administer anesthesia and spinals unassisted. She witnessed the end of the war in Australia on August 15, 1945 at 10AM and returned to the United States on October 23, 1945, carrying with her the experiences that would shape the rest of her career and life.

After the war, Irene continued to serve her community as the Superintendent of Shiawassee County Hospital from 1946-1957. Her passion for patient care led her to private nursing from 1957-1961, after which she became a vision technician for the Shiawassee County Health Department. Irene's leadership and pioneering spirit were further demonstrated as she became the first female commander of the VFW Post 4005 (1995-1996) , the first female commander of the Shiawassee County Council VFW and served as the chaplain of the VFW Post 4005 from 1996-2022. She also gave her time and talents as a life member of the Fenton Chapter 248 Order of the Eastern Star and a life member of the American Legion Post 57, Owosso.

She faithfully attended the Corunna United Methodist Church, Irene's commitment to her faith and community was unwavering. She was a woman who forged friendships that lasted a lifetime and whose selfless, thoughtful, and courageous nature touched the lives of many.

Irene leaves behind a legacy of resilience and service, survived by her very special friend, Cathryn Hosking; loving son, Howard Hosking; grandson, Aaron (Pamella) Hosking; great-grandchildren, Austin Hosking and Allison Hosking; sister, Mary Anne (Leo) Sabek; sister-in-law, Ellen Cox; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and fellow veterans whose lives she enriched with her strength and compassion. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Louis Walter Allen Hosking; brothers and their wives, Kenneth (Betty) Cox, Donald (Helen) Cox and Ray Cox; sisters-in-law and their husbands, George (Adelia) Besko and Hubert (Esolda) Sills; brothers-in-law, William Hosking and James (Jane) Hosking.

Irene’s life story is a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of service, and the enduring impact one individual can have on their community and country. Her memory will be held in the highest esteem, and her life celebrated as an example of true selflessness and bravery.

Memorials are suggested to the VFW Corunna Post 4005 and Auxiliary.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com
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  Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel
214 S. Main St.
Owosso, MI 48867

Phone: (989) 725-7171

Web Site: www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com

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Visitation
Date:   8/10/2024
Time:   12:00 PM
 
Funeral Service
Date:   8/12/2024
Time:   12:00 PM
 
Location:   Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes - Durand Chape
214 S. Main St.
Owosso, MI 48867

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