Dates
In the wee small hours of August 21, 2017 the soul of Irene Theresa McGirr Millar slipped away from her body to join Her Lord and Savior. Samuel and Mary McGirr gave birth to Irene on March 4, 1935. Her older brother Leonard taught her many survival skills. A natural athlete, she learned to swim by studying swimming instructions at the library. Scotland entered World War II on Sept 3, 1939. Irene became an innocent bystander to Luftwaffe bombing attacks during the Glasgow Blitz. She attended Holyrood Primary Catholic School, graduating at 17. She worked in a china shop with an unbroken record. She then became a telephone switchboard operator at the telephone exchange. She joined the only Catholic Scottish bicycle racing club. She toured around Scotland and Ireland while on vacation. Racing on weekends, she became more than a match for some of her competitors, male or female. At the age of 24, she immigrated to New Jersey as a contracted housekeeper for six months. Later that year she married James Joseph Leonard of the United States Air Force. Then began the births of their five children: Maureen Bernadette, born in 1959, Pauline Frances, born in 1960, Sean Samuel and Steven Thomas (twins), born in 1961, and James Jude, born in 1965. Mixed with overseas tours in the Philippines and Okinawa, as well as stateside tours. In 1973, while at Griffiss AFB, she attended her Cursillo weekend. This time, it was a life changing event. It changed her outlook and personality. As a devout Catholic and liberated Christ centered woman, she became a 3rd order Benedictine, and as her health permitted, made annual pilgrimages to Pecos, New Mexico. Following the annulment of her marriage, on valentine's weekend of 1987, at Christ the King Retreat Center, Irene, a member of the Beginning Experience team, met her future husband, Russell Millar. Russell joined the team, making frequent trips for team activities to Abilene, Texas. During this time, Irene received a candy apple red Chevrolet Beretta that Russell parked in front of her house as a surprise gift. They were married on December 1987 at Holy Family Church. Thus began an almost 30-year fruitful marriage. Life with Irene was always interesting. Her independent spirit made for some unusual escapades or adventures. She was never afraid to use tough love as needed in all aspects of her life. As they aged, they became active members of Holy Angels parish. The convenience of attending daily mass closer to home better fit their life styles. She was a people oriented person. She was inclusive with all her 5 children, 22 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren. Family gatherings for holidays were always fun filled noisy, and enjoyable. Well done O good and faithful servant. She never gave in or gave up. She walked the walk, and talked the talk. She was a TRUE BELIEVER. "Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come." (Song of Songs,2:17) A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2017 in the chapel of Johsnon's Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2017 at Holy Angels Catholic Church with burial to follow in Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Pregnancy Help Center of Conch Valley Inc. or Kindred Hospice Care of San Angelo.