Irene (Roper) Coulter, widow of former Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent S. George Coulter, passed away June 28. She was 100.

Born June 18, 1915, to Elmer and Goldie Bell Roper in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Irene was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Edmonton, where her father owned a printing company and later served as mayor. Irene was a third generation Nazarene, attending Edmonton Church of the Nazarene with her family. 

She excelled at math during high school and graduated a year early. While studying economics at the University of Alberta, Irene's best friend invited her to Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, for commencement weekend. Irene carpooled with a local pastor who wanted to visit his children and a young man on his way to visit his girlfriend. That young man was George Coulter, who took a liking to Irene. He broke up with his girlfriend and spent the weekend with Irene.

Two years later, Irene turned 21, graduated college, married George, and left for her honeymoon in Denair, California, all within a month.

George pastored in Alberta for three years (1933-1936) before moving to California with Irene. In addition to Denair Church of the Nazarene, the couple served at Stockton First Church of the Nazarene and Medford, Oregon, First Church of the Nazarene before George was elected district superintendent of Northern California. He served in the position for more than a decade, and Irene mentored pastors' spouses. 

In 1960, George became executive secretary of World Missions for the Church of the Nazarene. Four years later, he was elected general superintendent at the 16th General Assembly in Portland, Oregon. He served in the position 16 years.

After George passed away in 1995, Irene moved to Olathe, Kansas, and attended College Church of the Nazarene, where she started a weekly breakfast group for widows. 

Irene is survived by her son, Gary (Phyllis) Coulter of Overland Park, Kansas, and son-in-law, Kenneth Tippitt of Sun City, Arizona, four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of beloved friends.

Memorial contributions may be given to:

Rev. Thomas Bell Memorial Scholarship

Ambrose University 

150 Ambrose Circle SW

Calgary, AB T3H0L5

For Irene's full obituary, click here.