Irene Dugger

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Irene B. Dugger, 95, of Columbia died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at Lenoir Woods Health Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia.

Celebrations of Irene's life will be held with friends and family in three cherished communities where Irene found loving homes: 2 p.m. Thursday at Lenoir Woods Epple Chapel, 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, and 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Irene was born Jan. 9, 1915, on the family farm near Bethel, Mo., to George and Jennie Burckhardt.

She earned a bachelor of arts from Park College and bachelor of science and master's degrees from UMC. She taught home economics at both high school and college levels.

Irene married Harold H. Dugger on June 9, 1946. They lived and worked side by side in Johnson City, Tenn., and in Morrisville, Cape Girardeau and Columbia, until his death in 1997.

They were very active in the church, school and community life of each town. Irene lived a life devoted to volunteering and service to others. The memory of her positive outlook and heartwarming smile will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Irene is survived by a daughter, Ellen Dugger; a sister, Lorraine Hilgedick; nieces, Linda Hilgedick and Karen Rowe; and by many chosen daughters and sons whom she loved.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Lenoir Woods for the loving care given to Irene during the 18 years she made Lenoir her home.

In lieu of flowers, and in appreciation of the Lenoir staff, the family suggests donations to the Lenoir Christ Care Employee Fund. Memorial contributions may also be made to PET, Columbia Area Older Adult Ministry, or First Presbyterian Church in Columbia. In Cape Girardeau, donations in honor of Irene are suggested to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Church Women United, or the Harold Dugger Lecture Fund.

Tributes may be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.