Death of Irene Olga Touchard

Irene Touchard, age 83 of Berrien Springs, passed away Friday, May 13, 2022, after a long battle with dementia.

Irene was born May 22, 1938, in Budapest, Hungary, to Ernest and Irene (Orban) Vandulek and immigrated to the United States in 1947. She graduated from Canisteo Central Ithaca High School and worked at Cornell University prior to joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She briefly attended Emmanuel Missionary College before returning home to Ithaca to care for her father. During this time her cousin Lazlo needed a ride home and convinced his friend, Wolfhard Touchard, to drive him, promising to introduce him to his pretty cousin. Wolfhard and Irene were married July 3, 1966, with a goal to serve the Savior together.

Irene retired after working many years as a missionary in Virginia at Shenandoah Valley Academy, Middle East College in Beirut, Lebanon, and then University College of Eastern Africa in Kenya, filling the roles of women’s dean and administrative assistant to the head administrator. Upon return to the United States she became the administrative assistant at Lamson Hall (women’s residence) at Andrews University, providing dedicated support to the five women’s deans and a dorm full of young women.

She enjoyed caring for her family, decorating her home and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Wolfhard Touchard; a sister, Eva Fazekas; brothers, George and Peter Vandulek; a daughter, Erika (Donald) Kissinger; a son, John (Maria) Touchard; and four grandchildren: Samantha (Michael) Gusky, Phillip Kissinger, DeAnna, and John-Mark Touchard. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Vandulek.

“We have this hope that burns within our heart,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.
We have this faith that Christ alone imparts,
Faith in the promise of His Word.
We believe the time is here,
When the nations far and near
Shall awake, and shout and sing
Hallelujah! Christ is King!
We have this hope that burns within our heart,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.”
(From the song, “We Have This Hope”)

Jesus is coming soon and then we will see Irene.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to 3ABN. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Touchard family may be shared at allredfuneralhome.com.