Irene Torp Hanson Sankofski

Irene Torp Hanson Sankofski, 91, of South Haven died Saturday, March 30, 2013 at River Ridge Retirement Community. She was born into this world September 16, 1921, the 4^th child of Jens C. Sr. and Harriet (Haroldson) Torp.  She grew up in the family home along with her five siblings. She learned love of family and a strong work ethic during the hard times of the depression.  She attended South Haven Schools and graduated in 1939.

She married Carl Hanson Jr. at the age of 21 and had one son, Frank Hanson (surviving).  Upon the death of her husband in 1953, she attended floral school in Chicago and after graduation went into business with her father at Torp's House of Flowers which she co-owned and operated until 1958 when she married Alfons Sankofski. Her second marriage produced 2 children, James and Jane, both surviving.

 She found joy in simply pleasures like tending to her rose bushes, growing beautiful flower gardens around her home and mowing her lawn well into her 80's.  The love of flowers continued all her life with designing floral arraignments for any and all parties she or her daughter-in-law hosted.

She owned and operated Fishel Style Shop in South Haven along with her husband, Al.  She thoroughly enjoyed the buying trips to Chicago, the many fashion shows through the years and also working with many high school girls that she employed.  She was respectively and loving called, Mrs. S. Most of all she enjoyed working with her daughter, Jane.  In addition to Fishel's, she was bookkeeper, manager, cook, hostess, etc. at Gaslight Haven/ Cheers Restaurant, which was also family owned  She loved meeting and talking with people which all her business endeavors gave her the opportunity to do.  She enjoyed each new day, each new friend, each old friend  and most of all her family.

Each and every Sunday she cooked an amazing dinner for the entire family.  Always wanting the family to be close, not only with her, but also with each other. Many family vacations were taken and she took great pleasure in seeing the happiness in her grand kids eyes, experiencing Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Chicago, zoo trips, and many others.  She never missed an event her children or grandchildren were in. Christmas was always special with tons of presents.  She had a special knack for choosing gifts and took great pleasure in watching the enjoyment her gifts received. 

She continued her giving ways even into the darkness of dementia that enveloped her in later life.  She always had York Peppermint Patties or other gifts in hand to give away.  She believed, everything in moderation and would frequently meet her sister-in-law, Margaret or other family members at Sherman's for lunch. 

She is survived by her aforementioned children, Frank Hanson, James(Rachel) Sankofski and Jane(Aaron) Strebeck, grandchildren Jay(Tracy) Hanson, Chris Hanson, Jim Strebeck and Michelle Strebeck.  She also has a beautiful great-granddaughter, Madelyn Irene Hanson, a wonderful brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Margaret Torp and numerous nieces and nephews.

She will now join her mother and father, husbands Carl and Al, brothers Franklin Torp, Jens Torp Jr., Harold Torp, sister, Marie Bennett and daughter-in-law, Gail Hanson. 

The thereafter will be a better place with her presence, and this world will be a little less joyful.  Her book is now closed, a new book begins, and for all that knew her, we will become a part of that new book sometime in the future.  Till then, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, aunt and friend, may you rest in peace and be rewarded for a life well lived. 

Burial has taken place at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 3 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Congregational UCC – 651 Phoenix Street, South Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Irene's memory to South Haven Historical Society or The Michigan Maritime Museum.