Irene E. Gross

Irene E. Gross, 90, of Goshen, passed away peacefully at Goshen Hospital on April 4, 2024.

Irene’s extraordinary gift was connecting with people. She embraced every moment with a spirit of adventure, infusing joy and warmth into the lives of those around her.

Born on June 20, 1933 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland to Walter and Jeanne (Geiser) Geiser, Irene embarked on a remarkable journey that included marrying T. Leonard Gross on April 9, 1957 in Switzerland.

Leonard survives her, along with their daughters, Suzanne (Robert Kirchner) Gross of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Valerie (Tri Nguyen) Gross of Berkeley, California. Irene's legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren, David (Emmeline) Nguyen, Miriam (Stephen) Milton, and Naomi Gross. She also leaves behind her younger sister Liliane (Paul) Widmer of Geneva, Switzerland, and brother Jean Walter (Marie-Christine Nabben) Geiser of Cabrières d'Aigues, France.

Blending her Swiss heritage with the welcoming embrace of American life, Irene was active in the Goshen community since 1957.

Irene shared her passion for languages and cultures as a beloved German teacher at Bethany Christian High School for 29 years, where she was fondly known as “Frau Gross.” She also taught French at Goshen College for three years.

A member of College Mennonite Church (CMC) in Goshen, IN, Irene shared her time and talents, serving on various committees. She exemplified the spirit of service and compassion.

She demonstrated her commitment to strengthening community by dedicating a decade to serving on The Window's board, with a three-year tenure as President.

A visitation will be held on May 24, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm at College Mennonite Church, followed by a "Celebration of Life" service on May 25, 2024 from 10:30 to 11:30 am, with a Memorial Garden ceremony and lunch to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to The Window (thewindowofgoshen.com) or Mennonite Central Committee (MCC.org).