Corilda “Irene” Westphal
Irene Westphal, 81, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas, with her daughter by her side.
Originally from Squire, West Virginia, Irene moved to Ann Arbor area, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Westphal. They lived in Ann Arbor for a few years, spending weekends camping in the Roscommon area. It was during these trips that they became friends with Howard Mead and fell in love with the beauty and rhythm of life on the Au Sable. When Howard offered to sell his business, Mead’s Canoe Livery, Irene and Kenneth saw it as an opportunity to build a life rooted in nature, family, and community. They ran the canoe livery together for many years, welcoming generations of families to the river.
After years devoted to the family business, Irene returned to college and earned her bachelor’s degree in history and English from Central Michigan University. She began substitute teaching in the Roscommon schools, sharing her love of literature and history with students. Driven by a passion to do more, she went on to earn her master’s degree and, later, a Ph.D. in special education from CMU.
She spent many years working with special education students in C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District, where she found both purpose and joy in her work. After completing her doctorate, Irene served as the principal of a special education campus in Clare Public Schools, providing compassionate leadership and advocacy for students with diverse needs. At the same time, she also worked as a consultant for the State of Michigan, serving as an autistic diagnostician. In that role, she traveled across both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas—partnering with schools, supporting families, and helping communities better understand and meet the needs of autistic students.
In retirement, Irene and Ken continued to serve their community by volunteering for many years at Hartwick Pines State Park, where they shared their love of Michigan’s natural beauty and history with visitors from near and far.
Irene was known for her quiet strength, generous heart, and creative spirit. An avid quilter and embroiderer, she filled her home and the homes of others with handmade beauty. She was a lifelong reader and a devoted Detroit Tigers fan, always cheering on her team.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Westphal, and her brothers, Tommy Hardy and Sam Hardy. She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Westphal (Stanley Campbell); her sister, Hannah Liddiard Herr; and many extended family members and friends who will forever carry her memory.
Irene lived a life of learning, service, and quiet leadership. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.