Updated January 17: Funeral information follows at the bottom of this announcement.

With deep sadness, we share that our friend and co-worker Irene Strom has entered eternal life. She died on on Wednesday, Jan. 6, just a few days after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Irene was Director of Programming and Institutes at the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, MI.

She was a member of the CIC staff for 42 years. In October, she received our “Spirit of Hecker” Award.

“My heart aches for losing one of the best co-workers I’ve ever had the privilege of working alongside. She had the Paulist ‘DNA’ and was a mover and shaker at the CIC. And she did that with much grace and love,” wrote Fr. René, who also is pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

He continued, “My heart aches for our staff who will miss Irene tremendously, her wisdom, her smile and laughter, and her profound love for those who are left out in society.”

Irene is survived by her husband, Rich; her father, Ed; her daughter, Rachel; and her baby granddaughter, Eva.

Our prayer for our sister, Irene:

May the angels lead you into paradise,
may the martyrs come to welcome you,
and take you to the holy city,
the new and eternal Jerusalem.