TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘force of nature’ who dedicated her life hard work and fundraising who died earlier this month.
Irene Grice was often seen around Solihull asking for people to dig deep and help raise money for Marie Curie or over the years in the bakery at Morrisons where she worked for many years.
The 95-year-old died at a Solihull care home on June 4 and leaves behind her son, David, two grandsons and two great-granddaughters.
Since 1993 Irene also held a cleaning job at Solihull Council in the evenings which she gave up after suffering at stroke in January
Irene started work in 1943 at the age of 14 at George Mason in Acocks Green.
She also worked at she managed a cake shops known as Elisabeth the Chef in Drury Lane before moving to Safeway, which became Morrisons.
Alongside her work Irene dedicated over 40 years as a volunteer fundraiser for Marie Curie and always got involved with the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
In 2020 took on the challenge to walk 100 laps around the Morrisons store to raise money for the local hospice.
And in 2022, while being forced to shield due to the pandemic, she took her fundraising online and raised more than £1,400 in two weeks.
Leading the tributes, her son David said: “My mother was a force of nature and worked so hard during her lifetime always helping others where she could.
“She often said her longevity was a result of her work ethic.
“She will be sadly missed by her family and by so many others who she came into contact with.”
Rachael Ryan, community fundraiser at Marie Curie said: “ Irene was such a lovely lady and a true inspiration to everyone in the fundraising team.
“Having supported our flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal, every March for 40 years, she made a huge difference with the money she raised, enabling Marie Curie to provide care and support to those with a terminal illness and their loved ones in and around Solihull and the West Midlands.
“We are so grateful to Irene for all that she did to support Marie Curie, she will be truly missed and we send our love and condolences to her family.“
Paul Johnson, chief executive of Solihull Council, said: “A familiar face around the building, Irene will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Chris O’Shea, Morrisons Solihull store manager, said: “Irene Grice was simply unforgettable. She had a heart of gold, unbelievable energy and always something cheeky to say.
“She would put me in my place on a daily basis and after 28 years with Morrisons she had an opinion on everything.
“Customers and colleagues alike loved her and she was always involved in local activities.
“We’re really going to miss her.”
Her funeral will be held at Knowle Parish Church on June 27 at 10am, this will be followed by interment at Widney Manor Cemetary for close family members only.
Her family have set up two fundraisers in her honour.
To make a donation to the British Heart Foundation click here or to donate to Marie Curie click here.
