IRENE MARGARET (nee: Tennant) GEORGE of OCEAN GROVE passed away at age 96 on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010. Recently a resident of Francis Asbury Manor, she had been associated with Ocean Grove since 1948. Born in Minocqua, Wisconsin into a Methodist parsonage in 1913, she graduated from Central Michigan University also having studied at Taylor University, Indiana. Her graduate work in music education was at Northwestern University and Yale Divinity School. She taught in northern Michigan for several years. In 1937, she joined a summer touring opera company. They performed in Big Rapids, Michigan, where she met Reverend Floyd E. George Jr., pastor of the Methodist Church. They were married in 1938. Throughout 58 years of marriage, they served parishes in Connecticut, New York City and Westchester. Irene and Floyd always shared a strong partnership in life and ministry. When Dr. George served as president of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Irene played a major role as well, one that lasted throughout her years as a member of the Ocean Grove community. She became widely known as a pianist and soloist throughout their ministry. Among many other avenues of service, Irene was president of Church Women United for the Borough of Brooklyn and played a leadership role at the Methodist Church Home for the Aged in Riverdale, NYC. She was predeceased by Dr. George, in 1996; and one son, David, in 2003. She is survived by two sons, Floyd E., III and his wife, Ann, of Rye, N.Y., and Philip B. and his wife, Carolyn, of West Allenhurst. She had seven grandchildren, Evan, Ellen, Heather, Amanda, Sarah, Christian, and Bethany; and two great-grandchildren. A family graveside service was held at Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent. A Memorial and Celebration of Irene's life was held in Ocean Grove . In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fellowship Fund of Francis Asbury Manor, 70 Stockton Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.