Irene Eleftheria Klees Meharg Sarnelle lost her battle with cancer on Monday, January 23rd, at her home in Staunton.
Mrs. Sarnelle was born in Athens, Greece, on June 24th, 1955.
After moving to the United States, Irene was educated at Los Angeles Community College, California State University (L.A.), and James Madison University. She taught elementary school first in inner city Los Angeles, and later for the Augusta County (Virginia) school system. She then served devotedly for 26 years as Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education at Mary Baldwin University.
Irene hosted numerous historical balls, including Victorian Balls, and held many festive holiday gatherings at her home. She was a member of the Ticknor Staunton English Country Dance Group, as well as the Kings Daughters Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dionysisos Christos Klees.
Irene Sarnelle is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Dean Sarnelle; her mother, Mary Alice Peters Meharg; numerous cousins and aunts; and her many beloved Mary Baldwin students who were like family to her.
Special thanks to cousin Lois Myers and Hospice of the Shenandoah for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Irene Sarnelle Memorial Scholarship Fund at Mary Baldwin University, which will be set up to support student travel abroad.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Mary Baldwin University Physical Activities Center, Tams Street, Staunton.
Burial will be private.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.