Irene Carol Warfield went home to Jesus peacefully Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, surrounded by those she loved, at age 81.
Irene was born to John and Isabelle Tompkins on Dec. 5, 1938 in Hamden. She married the love of her life, David Bryon Warfield, on December 17, 1955, and they had five children. In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Irene worked as a machine operator for Bard Parker in Hancock, and later at 3M in Long Eddy. Irene served many years on the volunteer ambulance squad in East Branch, while acquiring her EMT credentials. She served until her health prevented her from doing so.
Irene’s greatest passion in life was her family - if she loved you she did so fiercely. Throughout her life she welcomed numerous people into her home and took on the role of honorary mother or grandmother to many. If you visited Irene hungry, you didn’t leave that way and more often than not you left with an armful of home baked goodies for later.
Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays. The community enjoyed festive lighted displays at Christmas and imaginative spooky decorations at Halloween and at Thanksgiving her home threatened to burst at the seams with so many loved ones waiting to feast on the delicious meals she so lovingly prepared.
Irene joins her husband, her father and mother, a brother, Wesley Tompkins, her sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Harry Barnhart, an infant son Douglas Michael Warfield, son David Bryon Warfield Jr. grandson Daniel Crisell, and grandson-in-law Paul Coman.
Irene is survived by her children Valerie Skinner, Teresa (Robert) Davis, Gary (Cheryl) Warfield, brothers Ted (Myrtis) Tompkins, Richard (Cindy) Tompkins, Donald (Dona) Tompkins, Glenn (Evelyn) Tompkins, and Gordon (Nancy) Tompkins; grandchildren Christa Skinner, Sherman (Brenda) Foote, Valerie Coman, Amanda (Rob) Evans, Robert (Brittany) Davis, Crystal Warfield, Jessica Warfield, Gary Warfield Jr., Cassandra (Bill) Rathbun, and Megan Warfield; 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter as well as many precious nieces and nephews.
Irene’s memorial service was held at the East Branch Community Church in East Branch on Friday, Oct. 2.
It is asked that donations be sent in Irene’s memory to the beautiful, compassionate, caring angels at Helios Care Hospice, 297 River Street, Oneonta NY, 13820.
Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.
