Irene Bridges Slisinger

Irene Bridges Slisinger, of Novi, sadly passed on January 25, 2026, surrounded by family. Born Irene Marie Bridges on May 15, 1950, to Charles and Violet (Gordon) Bridges, she attended Farmington Public Schools, graduating from Farmington High School in 1968, where she was a Girl Scout and a member of the National Honor Society, played the cornet in the FHS band, and was active in numerous clubs and organizations. She was also a member of the youth fellowship at Salem United Church of Christ. After high school, Irene attended Oakland University in Rochester, MI, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She devotedly spent her entire career (29 years) at Long Meadow Elementary in Rochester, MI, where she maintained numerous relationships with fellow teachers, as well as students, up to her passing.

Irene married Al Slisinger of East Detroit on Sweetest Day in October of 1982, and they made their home in Sterling Heights, MI. Together they enjoyed world travel, especially to historical sites in Europe, singing in the choir at Immanual UCC in Oxford, MI, spending time with friends, and indulging in numerous hobbies and crafts. Irene had a particular passion for genealogy research where she explored the ancestry of both the Bridges and Gordon families. Irene had a gift for making friends and nurturing those relationships, having friends from grade school through high school, Girl Scouts, college, her churches, and her time in Oxford, Sterling Heights, and in the Fox Run community, where she lived for 13 years until her passing. As a person of faith, Irene was known for her philanthropy, kindness and thoughtfulness, and unwavering generosity. She loved telling everyone she met about the special loves of her life – her nieces and nephews, her godchildren, and her close friends’ children, all of whom she dearly loved and adored. She will also be remembered for always having her camera, and later iPhone, and insisting pictures be taken at every gathering or event she attended with family and friends.

Irene shared a special bond with each of her siblings. There’s nothing she wouldn’t have done for them, or them for her. She will be missed dearly by her caring siblings Carolyn (the late Randy) Bennett, Terry (Thomas) Welti, and Charles (Theresa) Bridges; loving aunt to Alex (Christy) Welti, Zach Welti, Leland Curanovic, Charlie Bridges, and Jordi Bridges; loving niece to Don Bridges, and Marilyn Bridges; her many cousins; and her beloved friends, too many to name.

Irene is predeceased by her parents, her nephew Justin Welti, and her husband Albert Slisinger.

Irene’s memorial service will be held on Monday, February 16, at Salem United Church of Christ, 33424 Oakland St., Farmington MI 48335. The family will greet visitors from 10 a.m. – noon in the church’s Gathering Room, followed by a memorial service at noon officiated by Rev. Kristen Metcalf. Church is wheelchair accessible. Luncheon to follow. 

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Parkinson's Foundation and Detroit PBS in Irene's name.