Irmgard Jones

Irmgard S. Jones, nee Spiegler, was born September 16, 1924 in Goettingen, Germany. She was the third of five children born to Artur and Maria Spiegler. Having been born during the turbulent years after World War I, her early life was one of hardship and tragedy. She lost her mother and three siblings when her hometown was bombed during World War II in 1943.

She met her husband, John D. Jones, while he served with the Army Occupation Forces in Germany. To the marriage were born two children, Robert and Catherine. Mrs. Jones was widowed in 1985.

She led a fascinating life following World War II, having survived internment in a German work camp. She was a translator of German military documents for the U.S. Armed Forces, sang with the Jimmy Dorsey Band while he entertained troops overseas. She had a career in modeling prior to her marriage. While living in Florida, she worked in physical therapy, and was a tour guide to Europe and Mexico. She bred and raised Shih Tsu puppies, provided in-home health care to the elderly, loved gardening, and excelled at improvisational sewing.

Motherhood, she claimed, was her most exciting career. As a mother, she was exceptional, and although her surviving children are middle-aged they will miss her wisdom, guidance, and love.

Irmgard passed away Thursday December 23, 2010 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester. There, she was provided loving care during her last two years. She now has gone to a loving God for eternal peace. A private memorial service will be held for family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Robert M. Jones and his wife Jill, of Rochester, and Catherine McEnearney, of Alexandria, Virginia; and four grandchildren, Kyle and Aleah Jones, and Colleen and Alison McEnearney. She will be greatly missed.