Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services
Created a Tribute Video in memory of Irene Upshaw Hooper.
Irene Upshaw Hooper
Birth date: Sep 26, 1935 Death date: Feb 13, 2014
Tribute Wall
C
in honor of Irene.
So here we are in 2025. Stopped to check out Seacamp for our granddaughter. Remembered that Irene Hooper was my teacher at Westview. She was so very kind to this scared, shy girl.
After touring this magnificent natural camp, I am so grateful to have known her and grateful for her legacy. Looking at these kids (now they are teachers) I realized that Mrs Hooper May just have been the spark for one of these children to save our world.
Years after your passing, you are so treasured and loved for what you did and who you were.
Thank you with love
Russel E. Bachert, Jr.
I had no idea, until moments ago that the founder and inspirational leader of Seamp Association was no longer with us. I felt so much grief. Some of the most enduring and enjoyable experiences I have ever had in the field of outdoor/environmental/camping education were at Seacamp while working directly with Irene. Those date back to l976 while working on my doctorate at Indiana University when Irene visited the Department of Parks and Recreation Management, and invited me to join her staff. That began an interconnection that spanned from that time to 2005. I will forever treasure the memories that Irene made for and with me!
Irene, thank you for the great personal and professional legacy you created for both me and for my family,
Russ Bachert
Stacey Trimble Borden
in honor of Irene.
I just heard about Irene through the "Celebration of lrene’s life invitation”. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Dennis, my husband and I think of you (Irene, you, Seacamp, NHMI and the reunions) often. We talk about my experience with you for the one year I was there and our time at the reunions. I loved my experience in Florida. And since i know that you can’t say thank you often or loud enough “THANK YOU”.
As I was investigating the invitation...i thought about how Irene only did one thing at a time and just kept doing something to keep going and get to where she is…the camps are today. Every step that she did doesn’t seem like a big job but they all add up and then One Day it this huge and successful camp that has been woking for 35 years. AMAZING! And then I think of where i am today. I have a house in the Poconos and a little sailboat (ZUMA). I love that sailboat and every time I go out I am so grateful that you and irene believed in me (just one of those steps) enough to send me to sailing camp. I am now considering teaching sailing for the Lake folk here, again Something every day reminds me of Irene, you, Seacamp, NHMI. And of course now there are hundreds of the thoughts going through my head.
I am so grateful to know you and have known Irene. Thanks you so much for being in my life.
Love you both from a sailor on Monroe Lake.
Thank you,
Stacey Trimble Borden
South Orange, NJ
and East Stroudsburg, PA
973-454-6272
Angela Epperson
Irene changed my life in many ways. Please accept my condolences to all who loved her. I am saddened by her loss.
Angela Epperson
.
Irene was a pioneer! She built Seacamp into a one-of-a-kind experience. A gentle and kind person. A belated thanks Irene for the wonderful summers you provided me. Candy Cutler Riddick
Phil Gallmeier
Irene, Thanks for the great oportunity you gave me to have the Seacamp experience. I will miss you.
Phil Gallmeier
John Mcvea
Maiden launch of my sailboat during summer camp Irene appeared out of nowhere with a bottle of champagne saying "thought you might need this" That's the way she was,fiercely loyal, dedicated to her vision of Seacamp. We can't count the number of lives she's touched and influenced. John McVea
John Mcvea
Maiden launch of my sailboat during summer camp Irene appeared out of nowhere with a bottle of champagne saying "thought you might need this" That's the way she was,
fiercely loyal, dedicated to her vision of Seacamp. We can't count the number of lives
she's touched and influenced. John McVea
Gregg
Irene you will be sorely missed. Thank you for bringing so much joy in learning and experience. Your legacy will live on forever.
Gregg Fata
Tim Vogel
Thanks Irene for teaching him how to accept responsibility, lead the unwilling, and negotiate in good faith.
And for Seacamp, of course, her ultimate gift to the world! RIP