Helen “Irene” LeMaster
Helen “Irene” LeMaster passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023, of metastatic cancer. Irene was born October 5th, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri to Charles “Bill” and Eloise Key Johnson.
Irene was a master-of-planning, cleaner of houses, cook; biscuits and gravy to fight over, gambler, take-no-shit poker player, pool player, dart player, fighter, lover, dancer, avid “singer” and researcher of gravity.
Irene loved with all of her heart and was full of life. She loved pets, her late dog, Peanut, and strays as she aptly named friends that needed a place to be on holidays. Irene loved traveling to friends’ houses for bonfires, camping, trips to Chicago to watch the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs, all-inclusive resorts and drinking at the bar. She was a dreamer and wanted life to be full. Spending time with family as often as possible and crushing holiday events was on the top of her list. Family was extremely important to her. She would often say: “You can’t pick your family, but they are YOUR family.”
Irene possessed a unique presence that could light up a room. She was funny, loud, and boisterous. Dancing, singing her favorite songs and having a dirty martini were among her favorite past-times. Irene was an avid singer, rocking tunes to the Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, and Michael McDonald. She had a smile and a laugh that was contagious. It was hard to spend time with Irene without a smile on your face. She wore a shirt proudly that said: “You call me a bitch like it’s a bad thing!” That should give you a sense of what type of magical and unique personality she had.
Irene is survived by her husband Dean LeMaster, handsome sons Eric Russell (Jen) and Nick LeMaster (Jessica) and daughter Jamie Deetz (Dale). Her sister, Julie Johnson (Debbie G) and brothers Jerry Johnson (Debbie J) and Gary Johnson (Robyn). Grandchildren, Bryce, Paislee, Hollis, June and Dale Jr. Beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends she called family. Preceded in death by her brother, Charles Johnson.
Saturday, January 28th from 2pm-5pm will be a celebration of life to honor Irene. Come tell stories, share memories, listen to music, smile, and laugh. Pay a nice tribute to an amazing woman that impacted our lives in so many positive ways. Irene’s departure leaves a void in our hearts; one that should not be feared. The void is where miracles, strength and change are born. Irene would want everyone to cherish the time spent with her and ask you take that with you along the rest of your journey. To the world you may have just been one person, but to one person you may have been the world.
Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home
11101 Saint Charles Rock Road
St. Ann, MO 63074
I first met Irene when I hired her over 25 years ago at Prudential. She was smart, could handle whatever was thrown at her, had an inner strength to love and protect her children, friends, and whoever needed help .She took care of all of us. If you had a problem you knew you could go to her to get it done and right. She did not take any “crap” from anyone and worked her tail off to become a part of a team that will never be replaced. I will miss her terribly and know now her pain is gone.
I was so shocked to hear she was gone, even though these last months her strength to keep on pushing through what ever pain she was in. shows you the type of gal she was. She had a love of life and tried to live it the fullest and I think she accomplished that.
There are no words I can say to her family that will ease the pain of loosing her, I ask myself, what would Irene be telling you — how would she want you to handle this. Cherish those memories, her smile, her laugh, her tears, her hugs and how she loved you. that no one can ever take away. Love Sandy