Irene Hubbard, 97, of Algonquin, Illinois, formerly of Carthage, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:59 AM at the Barrington Journeycare Center.

Irene was born April 4, 1928, the daughter of Sifferd Hugh "Tip" and Marion Francis (Shores) Opie in West Point, Illinois. She graduated from Colusa High School in 1945 and received her teaching degree from Carthage College after transferring from Western Illinois University. On May 2nd, 1948, she was united in marriage to Duane Sherman Hubbard in the Colusa Methodist Church. He preceded her in death in 2022. She spent 38 years teaching elementary school in Bowen, Lincoln School in Carthage, Ferris, and the Union- Douglas School. She was an innovative educator who developed materials for Good Apple Inc. In 1977, she was selected Hancock County Teacher of the Year. She went on to be selected runner up Teacher of the Year for the state of Illinois. She loved to garden and was an avid bridge player. She played the organ beautifully and was the organist at the Denver Christian Church for many years. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she enjoyed every minute she spent with each one. She was an active member of PEO and the Carthage Christian Church. She loved to travel with her family.

Irene is survived by her son, Dick (Robin) Hubbard of Crystal Lake, Illinois; a daughter, Kathy Owen of Stillman Valley, Illinois; grandchildren, Matthew (Kelly) Hubbard, Sarah Schulman, Zachary (Andrea) Owen, and Meghan (Aaron) Owen-Souza; and great grandchildren, Gretchen and Ava Hubbard and Harry, Goldie and Franny Schulman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane; and a brother, Richard Opie.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.