Former Oxford resident Irene L. Pernicka Chance passed away peacefully on December 10, 2020 at her St Petersburg, Florida home surrounded by her family. She was 93.

She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Thomas. Survived by daughter Deborah Benson (Larry), sons Jeffrey Chance (Lorraine) and David Chance (Laura); grandchildren, Corey Chance, Erin Benson, Andrew Benson, Kimberly Salvage, Ryan Chance and April Wren.
Irene grew up in Detroit and was an Olympic contender in backstroke. Irene excelled in school and attended Wayne State University on scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in library science and education. Irene taught in the Detroit School System and ended her career in the Birmingham Public Schools, retiring to her long-time family home in Oxford, built by her immigrant parents.
Irene was active in her children’s activities including the PTA, Campfire Girl and Cub Scouts. She was an avid and accomplished bridge player for all her life. Irene was also a voracious reader and wished any tributes to be addressed to the Oxford Public Library Endowment Fund, P O Box 538, Oxford, MI