Born on April 16, 1918, Irene was the only child of Joseph and Elizabeth Gollits.  Irene passed away on October 3, 2016, at Halifax Health Hospice in Port Orange, Florida.

Irene graduated from Alvernia Conservatory of Music and Art, and School of Expression, in Chicago, Illinois in 1936.

Growing up, Irene's love and passion was to become a ballet dancer.  She took lessons, and in a few years, was trained by Laurant Novikoff, her ballet master.  As a teen, Irene was accepted as a member of the Chicago Civic Opera Ballet.  She then joined the Ruth Page ballet where her best friend and fellow dancer, Jeanne Hall of Benton Harbor, introduced her to Charles Forburger.  Irene continued her career and became a member of several outstanding ballet groups.

Irene returned to her family's summer home on Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, and was married to Charles Forburger on September 2, 1939.  Their son, Robert, was born in 1947 and their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1952.  Charles and Irene bought a home in Benton Harbor where Irene opened a dance studio.  Charles enlisted in the Navy two years later and was stationed in the Philippines during WWII.  Irene then went to work for the Navy at the Dachel Carter ship yard.

Irene received her Real Estate License in 1944 while working for the Ethel Higman Agency.  When Charles returned from service in 1945, Irene received her Broker's License and they bought the Higman Agency, and changed the name to Forburger Real Estate and Insurance.  They operated the business until Charles joined the George Jager Insurance Agency in 1970.  Charles died in April of 1973.  Irene then went to work for City Plumbing until she retired in 1983.

Irene is survived by her children, Robert (Joan) Forburger of Eau Claire, and Elizabeth Wright of Port Orange, FL. Grandchildren: Barry (Laura) of Longwood, FL, Kristen Forburger of San Diego, CA, Ryan Forburger of Niles, Britney (John) Kessick of Niles, Rob (Chloe) Dukesherer of NYC, Larry Fish of Grand Rapids, and Theresa (Tristan) Schmaltz of Bridgman. Great grandchildren: Jordan Forburger, Kyle Forburger, Lydia Habel, Opal Forburger Liptak, Nora Kessick, and Leah Schmaltz.

Irene was a life member of Monday Musical Club, life member of Indian Hills Garden Club, and member of Berrien Hills Country Club where she enjoyed golf, bridge, and taking her grandchildren to swim in the pool.  She was also an avid Notre Dame fan.  Irene was a member of the Humane Society where she served on the board of directors as Secretary/Treasurer for many years.

A memorial service in celebration of our mother's 99th birthday will be held at Duffield and Pastrick Family Funeral Home, 6548 Paw Paw Avenue, Coloma, on April 14, 2017  at 11 AM with visitation beginning one hour prior.  Burial will be in Crystal Springs Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of SW Michigan.