Irene Z. Will

The sun's radiance was a little dimmer in the early morning hours of Saturday September 3, 2016, when Irene Will ended her journey on this Earth and transitioned to eternity to be with her beloved husband Rodger G Will who preceded her in 2015. Irene was born in Detroit on April 1, 1941 as the oldest child and only daughter of Mary and Savio Martin in a proud immigrant family with a rich Italian heritage. She was a caring big sister to her brothers Edward and Victor Martin. She married Rodger in 1964 and then became the loving mother of her three sons, Rodger (Marty) Jr., John(Désirée), and Edward (Lorianne). Irene deeply loved and supported her eight grandchildren, Arshia and Savio (Rodger's Children); Ashlee (George) Kropog, Shaun, Patrick and Samantha (John's children); and Lewis and Charlotte (Edward's Children). She also was a great grandmother to Emma Kropog. Irene began her career teaching art in the Detroit Public Schools, and latertaught special education after earning her Master's Degree. She put her full-time career on hold to devote herself to raising her sons. Irene's dedication to social justice was never sacrificed. Both Rodger and Irene were enthusiastic leaders and supporters of organizations and individuals who fought against injustice and advocated for social change. After the boys grew, Irene returned to graduate school in the 1980s to earn her Masters Degree in Social Work, balancing motherhood and her professional career. Proud to practice Social Work, Irene expanded her contributions to social change by touching many families affected by poverty, substance abuse, developmental disability, and emotional illness. However, Irene was most known for her exceptional talents as a painter and mixed media artist. Irene's numerous juried art showawards, as well as her leadership roles with the Scarab Club of Detroit and the Grosse Ile Art Alliance exemplified her dedication making the world a more visually beautiful place. Her legacy creation, the colorful mascot "Odd Duck" represented her lifelong beliefsindiversity, hope, tolerance, forgiveness, loyalty, and love. Odd Duck has travelled the world sending messages of peace and tolerance, and still has a large social media following. It is the world's loss that her light has dimmed but her legacy has warmed our souls for eternity. There will be no public viewing or burial. A memorial is planned for Saturday October 15th at 11 AM at St. James Episcopal Church: 25150 E River Rd, Grosse Ile Township, MI 48138 A reception will follow at Perdino's of Grosse ile. In lieu of flowers, Irene requested donations in her name be made to any of the following organizations: The Grosse Ile Athletic Boosters, The Grosse Ile Music Boosters, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.