Irene Sovel, born October 10, 1938, in Astoria, Queens, New York, passed away on June 28, 2024 at Providence Hospital - Novi. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt throughout her life. Irene is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Ron, her loving children, Mike (Laura), Tom (Jackie), Ken (Erica) her cherished grandchildren, Drew, Ronnie, Ashley, Tyler and Josh, and her brother, Fr. Joseph Mulligan SJ. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Irene began her career in nursing in New York City and later moved to the Detroit area in the early 1960s when her family relocated. It was there at Mt. Carmel Hospital where she met her future husband, Ron, whom she married on October 26th, 1963. Irene continued her nursing career part-time while raising her three boys, with whom she shared a loving and supportive home.
Known for her compassionate nature and dedication to caring for others, Irene touched the lives of many through her work at Mt. Carmel Hospital and later at Grace Hospital. Her vocation for nursing was evident in the kindness and empathy she showed to patients and colleagues alike.
Irene cherished family time, especially her annual vacations to Houghton Lake with the extended Sovel family in the 70's and 80's, and hosting family and friends at the lake house on Lake Secord that she and Ron purchased in 1985. However, her greatest joy came from being at home surrounded by her family, particularly her five grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness and pride.
Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, July 14th at O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi, MI from 2:30pm to 8pm, with Rosary at 7pm. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Monday, July 15th at Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 24505 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi, MI. Interment will occur the following day with immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital ., in memory of Irene's lifelong commitment to caring for others. Mass will be live streamed on the day of the funeral click here