Irene Ruth Sulana (nee Hezlep), 61, died on Thursday, September 3, 2009, in Lebanon, Illinois, after many bouts of cancer caused by too many cigarettes. She is survived by her beloved grandson, Forrest Joseph Schaefer of Loose Creek, Missouri, whom she adored; her sister Nancy Hezlep Woods and her husband Richard of Picton, Ontario, Canada; niece and nephew Janice and Gordon and their families, also of Ontario; her special friend Gary Green, Lebanon; and her wonderful circle of friends who surrounded her with love most of her life.

Preceding her in death were her dear daughter Althea Renee Schmid and her parents Frank and Dolores Hezlep.

Born is St. Louis, Missouri, on November 8, 1947, and adopted in 1948, she lived in St. Louis, Seattle and Issaquah, Washington, and Laddonia, Missouri. She attended Southeast Missouri State University and worked for architectural and engineering firms, primarily Kennedy Associates in St. Louis, where she did a little of everything except draw.

Irene lived her life fully and well and never allowed cancer to define her life. She loved her friends, adored and cared for many pets, embraced music, cared for the environment and tried hard. She loved her foster children Aaron, Anthony and Jahrona, and advocated for the rights of foster children in state care.

She wishes that you let yourself be loved as she was loved and to know that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently. Irene would be pleased if you plant a tree, feed the birds, sing a song, love and care for your friends and family, eat deviled eggs and angel food cake, laugh and stop smoking.

Irene donated her body to the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

This year Winter Wonderland, an all-volunteer event featuring a sparkling display of holiday lights in the park, will feature Irene’s Garden as a tribute to her volunteer commitment and contributions to the Lebanon community.