Irene M (Johnson) Harmon

Irene Mae Johnson Harmon, 97, passed away November 14, 2016, while surrounded by her family in prayer at the Liberty County Medical Center.   Irene was born in Chester on May 15, 1919, to Edward and Orpha Staudacher Johnson.  Shortly after her birth her family moved to Wisconsin where lrene lived her childhood on a farm near Plum City.

Irene married Andrew William Harmon in 1937 at St. John the Baptist in Plum City, Wis.  Andy and Irene farmed in Wisconsin until 1952 when they moved to Chester, Montana.  They farmed for many years south of Chester and also owned the Mint Café where Irene cooked.  She enjoyed making the BEST maplesticks and donuts, playing cards (lots of euchre, pinochle and bridge), fishing, and playing the piano (all by ear---never a piece of sheet music!).  They were active parishioners in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chester. They loved to travel and made it to Australia, Alaska, Israel, Hawaii, Mexico as well as most of the other states.  They owned a second home in Mesa, Arizona for nearly 30 years; they loved their fellow snowbirds, the Cubs, and the Phoenix Suns.  Andy and Irene celebrated their 66th anniversary before his death in 2003.

They had four children: Richard Harmon (Sharon) of Chester; Elizabeth Hendrickson (Jerry) of Chester; Dan Harmon (Marilyn) of Kalispell; Judy Cozzens (Jack) of Plymouth, Minnesota.  Grandma Irene had 16 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 6 great great-grandchildren.

She spent her last years at the Wheat Country Assisted Living; she truly considered it home and loved the care she received there.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Gifts may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Chester, Montana 59522.

A vigil will be held on Friday, November 18 at 7pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Her grandson, Bishop Andrew Harmon Cozzens, will celebrate the funeral on Saturday at 11am at St. Mary’s.  Interment will follow at the Liberty County Catholic cemetery.   A luncheon will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church basement.