The life of Irene Lillian Friday Irene Lillian Friday (nee Bovee) entered the arms of her loving Father on July 9, 2014. Irene was born to Echo and Florence (Shattock) Bovee on April 15th, 1921, her father's birthday. Her childhood years were spent in Detroit. In 1942, Irene joined the United States Army, proudly serving as a 1st Lieutenant in World War II. She spent time first in England, then Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. From there Irene was sent to Africa to form surgical teams in the field. Upon returning to the United States, Irene was assigned to an amputation center in Battle Creek. After the War, she attended Wayne State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing in January of 1950. Her nursing career was an ideal fit for her nurturing personality. In December of 1950, Irene married Fredrick L. Friday, a Detroit Police Detective. A teenage son, Thomas Friday, created an instant family for the newlyweds. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Irene and Gail. In 1966, Fred and Irene realized his dream of retiring to a farm in rural Morley. Fred preceded her in death in 1985. Irene was a devout member of the Northland United Methodist Church, where she helped with activities in the kitchen and community for many years. Irene was proud of her family and was cherished by all who knew her. She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Fraley of Big Rapids, and two daughters, Irene (Donald) Schuberg of Big Rapids and Gail (Thomas) Labadie of Mitchell, Indiana. She also leaves behind five grandchildren of whom she was very proud: Jeff (Kim) Schuberg, Lana Taraszkiewicz, Jon (Kristin) Schuberg, Jeremy Schuberg, and Tim (Jenni) Labadie. Also surviving are her cherished seven great-grandchildren: Cody, Riley, Brady, Ella, Austin, Ryan and Gracie. Irene is survived by two nephews: Robert and Gary (Marvel) Fraley, one niece, Diane (Wayne) Lucynski, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Echo and Florence Bovee, husband, Fredrick L. Friday, a step son, Thomas Friday and one sister, Gladys Bovee. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July12th at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11th, at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Irene's name may be made to the Northland United Methodist Church or the Walton Erickson Public Library.