Irene M. Xaver, 94, Plymouth, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born on Nov. 22, 1923 in South Bend, to Camiel and Mary (DeWispelaere) Pickavet. She was a graduate of South Bend Catholic High School.

On Sept. 11, 1943, she married Francis Xaver. He preceded her in passing on May 31, 2003. She and Francis owned Xaver Grocery Store on West Jefferson Street from 1945 to 1955. She later worked for Coldwell Banker Felix & Associates and then for Robertson-Cook Insurance Agency. She was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Plymouth.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Janice, Washington, DC; Eloise (Frank Geiselhofer), Colorado Springs, Colo.;  Lynda, Athens, Ala., Gerard (Sharon), South Bend; Luann (Mike Falkowski), Plymouth; Joe Xaver, Loami, Ill.; and Jeanine (Larry Hatcher), Plymouth. A,so surviving are her sisters: Rose Connolly, Williston, Vt.; and Mary Lou Hausske, Kingman, Ariz. She was further blessed with 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She and Francis also fostered children through Catholic Charities.

She is preceded in passing by her parents; her husband; her sons: Bill and Paul; her brother: George Pickavet; her sisters: Margaret Bergman and Dorothy Kelly; and her step-mother: Josephine.

The Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements for the Xaver family. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2, in the St. Michael Catholic Church, 611 North Center Street, Plymouth, 46563 with Fr. John Korcsmar officiating. Burial will follow in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.  

A time of visiting with the Xaver family will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 1, in the Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 West Madison Street Plymouth, 46563, with rosary recited at 6:30 p.m.

The Xaver family requests memorial contributions in honor of Mrs. Xaver be made to the St. Michael Catholic Church.