Obituary of Irene J Miles

Irene Jennie (Joralemon Squires) Miles Age 103, formerly of Arnold Ave. in Horseheads; just a block from Gate 3 of the Chemung County Fairgrounds. She became a resident of Bethany Courtyards in April 2023. She was only a resident there for a short time before passing peacefully with her great niece, and Pastor at her bedside on Sunday, September 29th, 2024 at Bethany Manor. In addition to her parents Lee and Florence (Webler) Joralemon, Irene was predeceased by her husbands Isaac "Ike" Squires, and Edward "Ed" Miles; along with her siblings Julie Mae (Dunbar), Rena Louise (Vinson, Monroe), Vera Alta (Van Dusen, Sergio) Ethel Florence (Summers), Ned Lee Joralemon, Majorie June (Oldroyd), Rex Ray Joralemon, and Lynn Albert Joralemon, who died in infancy. Irene was the last surviving of the Joralemon line. After graduating from Troy High School, Irene worked of 50 different jobs. Moving to New York when she was 20 years old, her first job was working for Bauer Dairy. She was most proud of her service to Trayer Products, where she worked from 1944-1976, her time with the Chemung County Fair grounds from 1983 – 2013, and the Food Bank of Southern Tier from 1992 – 2011. She was an impeccable bookkeeper and most of her positions embodied her precise clerical skills. Irene was a very independent, sensible lady of grace and poise. She dressed modestly and had her own fashion which was a delight to behold. She had the quality of enhanced beauty and a sort of timeless elegance. Her smile was infectious, in a wonderful way. She took one day at a time, and often advised that "there is no place for worrying; don't waste your time that way. Embrace each day like it were your last". She wrote everything down, recorded every mile she drove everyday, every vacation she took and where, every special event – birthdays and anniversaries- of everyone she knew. She wrote cards and letters, remembering every family member and friends on their special occasions as well. Every day she noted who called, who made visits, and any gifts she received. She loved to read and always had piles of books – which she shared or, 'passed on' as she would say. Her initials went inside the front cover of thousands of stories, novels, and books that she read. Irene loved to bake cookies for those who stopped by to visit when she was still in her home. She was famous for her vinegar cookies. Later, she made sure she had Hershey's Kisses, peppermint patties, or some variety of candies to offer her caregivers and visitors in her remaining time with us. When she turned 100 years young, it was during the pandemic. She was interviewed by her nieces' cell phone by Ashley Cafaro for a special edition clip on WENY News. She was so excited, and when asked what the secret was to her longevity – she said "Plain shredded wheat, and (she) ate it with orange juice…(and if for some reason she couldn't ger shredded wheat) …corn flakes would just have to do!". Irene was always quoting little phrases she embodied; one most fitting is, simply: Count your life by smiles Not tears Count your age, or life, by friends Not years. She is survived by generation of nieces and nephews; family far and wide; and many church friends who were just like family; co workers, neighbors, and volunteers – all of which she accumulated over a lifetime of kindness and generosity. Family and friends are invited to visit the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main, St., in Horseheads, NY on Friday, October 4th,2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads, 2943 Westinghouse Road, Horseheads, NY with a gathering time from 10:30 am to 11 am. Her service will follow at 11 am, with Rev. Aaron Frank officiating. Irene will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Troy, PA. Irene's family would like to extend a special thank you to Arnot Odgen Medical Center, Bethany Courtyards & Manor, Chemung County Nursing Facility, all for their compassion and care, as well as all those who remembered to call, send cards, or visit her in her last days. In leiu of flowers, those wishes may honor Irene with a memorial contribution to her church, The First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads, 2943 Westringhouse Road, Horseheads, NY 14845