Naoma Irwin

NAOMA IRWIN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Naoma June Irwin was born June 22, 1930, in Butte, Montana, to James E. Irwin and Winifred Wall Irwin. The family returned to Idaho Falls, where she attended school and graduated from Idaho Falls High in 1948. She then attended Colorado Women's College in Denver, where she graduated with her Associate's Degree and Honorable Distinction in 1950. She took a two year break from school to work at the Idaho Falls library in order to earn tuition. She then attended BYU and graduated in 1954, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and teaching endorsement. She returned to Idaho Falls and worked at the INEL for a brief time while interviewing for a teaching position. The Idaho Falls School District hired her and she started teaching at Linden Park Elementary in 1950. She taught various grades there for her entire career and she retried after 34 years. She was known as a firm instructor, yet influenced thousands of students. She was well known for helping many overcome difficulties with reading. She herself loved to read. It wasn't uncommon for her to read two or three books a day. She was very creative in her approach to teaching. This creativity was also shown in her sewing and handiwork, which later turned into a full-time hobby after teaching. She created beautiful quilts, sweaters, and crocheted heirlooms for her family. That same family also involved her in many more projects than she wanted, including customized wedding dresses. She had a great sense of humor and always went the extra mile for her family. She passed away on February 6, 2007, after a seven year battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Richard Irwin. She is survived by her sisters, Alice (Tom) Haga, Helen I. Harmer, her niece and nephews, Jackie (Bob) Morgan, Steve (Lesley) Haga, Brian Haga, Andrea (Mike) Klukis, Scott Irwin, Greg Irwin, Kelly Williamson, and many great nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2007, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 2676 Vista Avenue, Boise, ID 83705. ------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Del sprague delsprague@msn.com To Helen and the family of Naomi Irwin. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all the family. I have many memories of the family as a young man working at the gas station at 17th and Curtis. Sincerely Del Sprague Sheila Theobald-James We all loved Aunt Nonie for her sense of humor, her smile, her willingness to help others and her great food. She will me missed her on earth but cherished in heaven - Buck, Sheila, Julie Anna, Jimmie II, Mable, Cloy and Julie Theobald Cammie Carlson Searle I remember Miss Irwin. She was my 6th grade teacher many years ago. She was a wonderful teacher and enjoyed teaching her students all that she knew. I learned many things from her. She had a wonderful laugh and smile.