CLARKS — Irma Janulewicz, 75, of Clarks passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, with family by her side, at Wedgewood Care Center after a hard and courageous fight with cancer.

She was born to Dorothy and Earl Mustard on Oct. 21, 1940, and was raised in Clarks. She was a member of the Clarks High School class of 1958. Irma met her husband, James, during an open house for the Clarks Elementary School. She married him on Oct. 25, 1958.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Irma’s interests included sewing, genealogy and card games. She was often found cooking, playing Scrabble and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Irma also loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s events. Her contagious laugh, dazzling smile and sparkling blue eyes lit up the world.

Irma was a founding member of the Clarks volunteer EMTs. She took great pride in cooking for others while she worked for the Clarks Public Schools and Annie Jeffrey Hospital. Other employers included the grocery store and post office in Clarks, American Wood Fibers, Merrick County Sheriff’s Department and most recently the Clarks Villa.

Irma was blessed with a beautiful spirit that shone forth to the end. Her family and friends were Irma’s main priorities. She effortlessly charmed people with her generosity, humor and empathy. Her home was always open to family and friends. She spent her final days surrounded by her immediate family members, showering them with love and in turn receiving their love as sustenance. She will be very missed by family and friends alike.

Irma’s wonderful spirit, joy and love will be celebrated at a funeral service honoring her life at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Catholic Church in Clarks. The burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

She was the loving wife of Jim for 58 years; beloved mother of Deb (Terry) LaBenz, Barb (Jim) Perry, Janet (Dave) Janulewicz, Bryan, Paul, and Carol (Paul) Shively.

She also leaves 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Shane, Tracy and Terra LaBenz, Tanya (Kirk) Hansen, Jordan and Alex Perry, Dustin Janulewicz, Lane, Cole and Clay Church, Sara and Kristen Shively and Cheyanne and Dakota Hansen. Irma was also very close to her extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is survived by sisters, Marilyn, Wilma and Virginia, and a brother, Robert, and preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Earl, Jack and Hal; and sisters, Faye and Darlene.