Irene O’Connell Guiff: 1917 – 2007
Irene O’Connell Guiff, 90, a resident of rural Churubusco in Allen County, died at 4:08 a. m. on Monday, October 22, 2007 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City following a lengthy illness. She had been in declining health for some time, and had been seriously ill for the past two weeks.
Mrs. Guiff was born on June 16, 1917 at Wolf Lake, a daughter of Lewis and Delliah (Marrs) Hyndman, and spent her formative years in Noble, Whitley, and Koskiusko Counties. She was married in Columbia City to Loren O’Connell on March 14, 1934, and had lived in the Churubusco-area since 1940.
As a young woman she was employed at Blue Bell in Columbia City, and later in life worked at the Magic Wand Restaurant in Churubusco. Mr. O’Connell preceded her in death on October 29, 1969.
She was a member of the Churubusco American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 157, and in her leisure time enjoyed playing Euchre, visiting with friends, and making pies.
On August 20, 1977 she married James L. Guiff in Allen County. He survives.
Other surviving relatives include her three children Verdonna “Tootie” (Paul) Konger of rural Albion, James (Nancy) O’Connell of Huntertown, and Patsy O’Connell of Fort Wayne; two step-children Gladys Wakeman of Columbia City and Gerald “Jerry” (Marsha) Guiff of Churubusco; and a sister Wanetta Snepp of Columbia City. There are eight grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several step-great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and several step-great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters Alice Birch and Mary Jane Geiger; four brothers Robert Hyndman, Leroy Hyndman, Ralph Hyndman, and Chester Hyndman; a step-daughter Audrey Valjack; and by a great-grandson Ben Konger.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday, October 25, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Thursday.
Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery at Pierceton.
Memorials are requested to be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Women, Churubusco American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mrs. Guiff’s name, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:39 am
To: Patsy O’Connell/Jim & Nancy O’Connell
We are sending our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. We are thinking about all of you at this time.
May God comfort your hearts,
Bev & Steve Trahin
October 24th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Dear family
We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Irene was a person who always spoke her mind and had a great sense of humor.
Always remember the good times!!
Love, Dick & Mary Ann Hyndman
October 24th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Dear Patsy and family,
We are sending our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. May you feel God’s comfort at this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Bronwyn and family
October 24th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
To Guiff Family, Caring thoughts are with your family at this time of sorrow. With Sympathy The family of Ila Guiff Brumbaugh. Charles Brumbaugh, Harry & Rose Brumbaugh, Connie Brumbaugh and Karen & Bruce Parks & Family
October 24th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
We are sending our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Irene. She was a very special person and will be missed deeply. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers thru this time of sorrow.
May God Bless You
Mick & Mary
October 24th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
We heard this evening of Irene’s passing and kept you and your family in our prayers. May God keep you and bless you in the midst of your loss with the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Lane & Janet