Age 94. Beloved mother of Cheryl (Alan) Novack, Joselle (David) Bamford, Michele (Bruce) Foxworthy, and birth mother of Ted Kilponen. Cherished grandmother of Geoffrey, Douglas, Crystal, and Andrew Novack; Stephanie Zubok, Ryan Bamford, Kristopher and Laina Benestad, and Robert Foxworthy.

Irja was the founder of the Dearborn Community Arts Counsel. She was also a member of the FCA Finn Camp (OFSCCA), Senior Video Club, Civic Theater, and the Henry Ford Village.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday 11 AM at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, Downtown Farmington.

Interment will follow at the Wixom Cemetery in Wixom, Michigan.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-9 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the DFCSCA (Finn Camp)or Finnish Center Association.

Arrangements by Potti Funeral Directors.