Yvonne Ireland, teacher, nurturer

Yvonne Briscoe Ireland, an elementary-school teacher and one-time referral specialist for a Montgomery County pediatric practice, died May 19 after several months of illness. She was 74 and lived in Erdenheim, and had lived for many years in Mount Airy.

While living in Mount Airy, Yvonne volunteered at Deborah Heart Hospital.

She was born in Philadelphia to Juanita E. and George Briscoe, and graduated from Yeadon High School. She completed her studies in elementary education at Millersville University.

Yvonne taught for several years at McKinley Elementary School in Elkins Park, until the births of her three children. She later returned to teaching, then took a job with the Adelphia Cable Co.

She was office manager of Erdenheim Pediatrics, which became Lockman and Lubell Pediatric Associates. She was a referral specialist when she retired after 29 years of service.

"Always patient and soft-spoken, she is remembered as a loving teacher, patient listener and nurturing mother and grandmother who was always there for them," her family said.

She is survived by two sons, Charles and Joel Ireland; a daughter, Rebecca Ireland; three grandchildren; and her former husband, Charles Ireland Jr.

Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Oxford Presbyterian Church, Gowen and Stenton avenues. Friends may call at 8 a.m. Burial will be in Ivy Hill Cemetery.