Irene E. Gross, 90, died April 4, 2024, at Goshen Hospital in Indiana. Born June 20, 1933, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to Walter and Jeanne (Geiser) Geiser, she embarked on a remarkable journey that included marrying T. Leonard Gross on April 9, 1957, in Switzerland.

Her extraordinary gift was connecting with people. She embraced every moment with a spirit of adventure, infusing joy and warmth into the lives of those around her. 

Blending her Swiss heritage with the welcoming embrace of American life, she was active in the Goshen community since 1957.

She shared her passion for languages and cultures as a beloved German teacher at Bethany Christian High School for 29 years, where she was fondly known as “Frau Gross.” She also taught French at Goshen College for three years.

A member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen, she shared her time and talents, serving on various committees. She exemplified the spirit of service and compassion.

She demonstrated her commitment to strengthening community by dedicating a decade to serving on The Window’s board, with a three-year tenure as president.

Leonard survives her, along with their daughters, Suzanne (Robert Kirchner) Gross of Edmonton, Alberta, and Valerie (Tri Nguyen) Gross of Berkeley, Calif.; three grandchildren; sister Liliane (Paul) Widmer of Geneva, Switzerland; and brother Jean Walter (Marie-Christine Nabben) Geiser of Cabrières d’Aigues, France.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 25 at College Mennonite Church.

Memorial donations may be made to The Window (thewindowofgoshen.com) or Mennonite Central Committee.