09/23/2026
The Historical Society was saddened to learn of the passing of Irene Koch.
When Irene celebrated her 100th birthday, I had the privilege of spending a few hours with Irene and her daughter Laura, talking about Irene’s remarkable century of life.
Irene remembered camping trips with her husband Ernie and their children, moving from Long Island to Minerva, party-line telephones, learning to drive, working at Sperry Gyroscope during World War II, and meeting Ernie when he returned to his job there after serving in the Navy.
But one story has stayed with me.
As a young woman, Irene studied art and fully intended, as she put it, to become a “famous artist.” World War II changed those plans. She left school for wartime work, then came marriage, children and all the demands of everyday life. The artist was still there, though.
Years later in Minerva, Irene began painting again. Ernie built small pieces of furniture in his woodworking shop and would tell her, “Paint something nice on it, Irene.” She did. Their pieces were sold locally at Betty LeMay’s shop.
Irene’s path to becoming an artist may not have been the one she imagined as a young woman, but perhaps she got there after all.
I am grateful that Irene shared some of her memories with and extend my to her family.
The photo is of Irene and Laura on Irene's 100th birthday enjoying the parade past her house in her honor.
