Stories of Service

Irene Johnsen recently retired from the Foster Grandparent Program after 31& 1/2 years of service.  She was one of the first Foster Grandparents recruited by Georgie Safford in 1978. Irene was stationed at Soo Hill Elementary School for the entire time she was active in the program.  Irene grew up in Soo Hill.  She, her children, and her grandchildren all went to Soo Hill Elementary School.  After Irene's children were grown,  she took a job at the school as a lunch room supervisor.  During her retirement years, she decided to continue spending her time at Soo Hill Elementary as a  Foster Grandparent.  Irene worked with hundreds of children while volunteering as a Foster Grandparent  and still hears from many of them today!  Her granddaughter attends Northern Michigan University in Marquette.  One evening,  she and her friends were reminiscing about their school years when they were young.  One young man started talking about "Grandma Irene Johnsen".   He said, "If it wasn't for Grandma Irene,  I would not be where I am today."  Irene's granddaughter spoke up and proudly said, "Thats my REAL Grandma!"  Irene Johnsen touched the lives of so many children during her years of service; she loved them and they loved her. She will be greatly missed by the children and staff she volunteered for!!