Irene Marie Hare Evanson, 95, of Hermantown, MN, passed away on November 11, 2021, at Edgewood Vista.

Irene was born in Antwerp, Belgium to Anna and Eugene Vanisterdael on December 19, 1925. She grew up in Belgium during World War II, surviving a German occupation of her country, and even her own home. Her strong and independent spirit allowed her to demand the enemy soldiers to remove their muddy boots before entering her home. She met Elroy, a US soldier in Europe, and later came to the United States as a War Bride in 1946.

She worked as a cashier at Mount Royal SuperValu for 25 years. She enjoyed traveling and the symphony.

Irene was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She often showed her love through home cooked meals, Chex Mix snacks, and often gave out her delicious homemade soups – giving her the beloved title of "Soup Grandma". She was incredibly devoted to her family and will be greatly missed.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Elroy and John; son, Kenneth Hare; and granddaughter, Nicole.

Irene is survived by her children, Eugene (Linda) Hare, Betty (Duane) McDonald and Cheryl (Emin) Yumusaklar; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

The family would like to thank the Edgewood Vista staff for their extraordinary care.

A private family celebration of life will be held in the spring.