Irene Mae Cartwright, 93, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 7, 2025. She was born December 9, 1931, in Gary, IN to Fred & Sarah (Mounce) Hughes, graduated from Lew Wallace High School and received a degree as a Registered Nurse from Northlake Methodist school of nursing in 1952. Irene made her career at Broadway Methodist Hospital Emergency Room in Gary for many years and taught EMT classes at Ivy Tech. Her skills as an EMT and nurse translated into an additional career with NOPAC private ambulance service in Chesterton in the 1970’s and 80’s. Irene was a member of Faith Fellowship Church and practiced her faith by serving as a foster parent along with Howard to 30 infant children over the course of their lifetimes. She enjoyed crocheting, working crossword puzzles, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
In April of 1954she married Howard Cartwright who preceded her in death in 2001. Survivors include their children: Randy (Cindy) Cartwright, Rhonda (Rick) Gikas & Lisa MacKenzie, grandchildren: Clif (Samantha), Todd (Crystal, Christine, Nicole (Andrew), Dustin (Emily), Kyle (Jessica), Dillon & Kimberley, and several great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her sisters: Della & Helen.
A private ceremony will be held Wednesday, December 10th at Graceland Cemetery mausoleum, Pastor David Guess officiating with entombment to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Faith Fellowship Church.
GUESTBOOK
I want to give my deepest sympathies to all of you. -Ron Witkowski
