Irene H. (Brush) Ingalls

Unadilla – Irene H. Brush Ingalls of Unadilla, passed away November 9th  2024 at Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born March 4, 1933 in Sidney, NY, the daughter of Roscoe Howard and Gladys (Sweet) Brush who predecease her. She is also predeceased by her husband of 64 years Donald, sister Joan and brother Alan and brother-in-law Fr. Charles Thayer. She is survived by her five children, Diane (David) Hughes, Corrine (Thomas) Rees, Betsy (Jeff) Shultis, Denise (Larry) Mudge and Steve (Berna) Ingalls; grandchildren, Kathleen (Kirk) Pratt, Julie Drozdowski (Mike Hampton) , Heidi (Carmine) Addiego, Jay (Sonia) Shultis, Tara (Duncan) Eidse and Jennifer (Tim) Guinn; great-grandchildren, Carson, Caleb and Kelsey Pratt, Alexis Drozdowski, Sun-Ah and Tru Shultis, David and Dennett Addiego, and Bodie Guinn; sister Evelyn Brush Thayer (Darrel Martens) of Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law Bonnie Valentine Brush of Rustburg, VA; brother-in-law Dr. Richard (Carolyn) Ingalls of Afton, NY; sister-in-law Sharon (Philip) Henry of Ballymena, Ireland; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Irene was a graduate of Sidney Central School, Class of 1950.  She was a past member of the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce and was their 1994 Business of the Year honoree for her business, Ingalls Antique Shop. For many years, she and Don owned and operated a greenhouse and farm stand known as Ingalls Greenhouse and Gardens. Irene and Don built their own home, cutting down trees and having them milled into logs for their home. Irene used her design skills to add some unique features in their home. She was also known as a very talented person who made leather goods, was a seamstress, horticulturist, designer and watercolor artist.  Irene was a great cook and baker. She even sewed wedding dresses for family members and prepared all of the meals to be enjoyed at the Ingalls’ event. Irene was an exemplary Girl Scout leader and we now have the fourth generation of Girl Scouts in the family. Irene always worked out of her home and was available to help when needed by family or friends. Irene was and will continue to be loved by her family. Irene’s family would like to thank Irene’s Ladies and all the caregivers at Delhi Nursing and Rehabilitation who helped make her final years so special.

Funeral services will be on Saturday November 16, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home, 123 Main St., Unadilla. Visitation will be from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. prior to service. Interment will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla at the convenience of the family.

The family requests any memorial donations be made to one of the following: Unadilla Fire Department Emergency Squad, 77 Clifton St., P.O. Box 579, Unadilla, NY 13849, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (Gold Award scholarship fund) @https:// gsnypenn.org/donate, Unadilla Boy Scouts Troop # 1, ? Brian Danforth Scoutmaster Butternut Rd Unadilla, NY 13849, Delaware/Otsego Audubon Society (Gold Eagle Research Project) @ www.doas.us, Delaware/Otsego Audubon Society, PO Box 544, Oneonta, NY  13820

Funeral arrangements are by the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home of Unadilla. Online condolences may be made at www.wmaddenfh.com.

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