Irene Claire Brinkman

Irene Claire Brinkman, 87, of Union Pier, Michigan passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday September 22, 2021. Irene was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 6, 1933 to the late Margaret and Albert Youdell. She was a graduate of Kirtland High School in 1951 in Kirtland, Ohio. Irene worked at the News Dispatch, where she met her husband, and at Phillips Drill as a secretary. She married Richard Brinkman on December 20, 1952 in Michigan City, Indiana. They resided in Michigan City until 1968, and then had a home built in Union Pier where they enjoyed spending their retirement years. After their move to Union Pier, she became a secretary and later a business manager at the New Buffalo Schools for the next 28 years. Besides her career, Irene was also very involved in her community. She was an active member of the New Buffalo Service League for 40 years! She was very proud of the annual Craft Show and giving scholarships to New Buffalo students. She also was on the Miss New Buffalo and Blossomtime committees, MARSP organization, Pine Grove Cemetery board, Pokagan Fund board, and the Timberlane Shores Board of Directors, frequently with leadership roles as a President, Secretary or Treasurer. She also supervised the township and school board elections. During her free time, she enjoyed gardening with flowers and vegetables, spending time with her two grandsons, working during holidays at a local florist, and helping with Blessings in a Backpack. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Richard, sister, Winnie (Bob) Spratt, and her grandson, Jeffrey Adamec. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Arthur) Adamec of Gladwin, grandson, Justin (Mary) Adamec of Grand Rapids, sister Dot Gallion of Michigan City and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo from 6-8 PM on Thursday October 7th. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday October 8, 2021 at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, with visitation from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place in a private ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those planning an expression of sympathy may consider Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, or Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland.