Irene Vandever

Alpha Irene Vandever, 72, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Resthaven Nursing Center in Lake Charles.

Irene was born on August 22, 1953, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She graduated from LaGrange Senior High School in 1971 and attended McNeese State University. Irene was a successful businesswoman who worked for corporations like Siemens and was the former Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A. Her most memorable position was Executive Director for the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, where she worked to bolster local and regional support for non-profit and performing agencies in the community that she held so dearly.

Irene is survived by her sons, Ben and wife Laurie (Vicknair) Burk of Bossier City and James Michael and wife Mandi (Hebert) Burk of Ragley. She is survived by her grandchildren, Emma Catherine Burk of Baton Rouge and Olivia Anna Burk of Ragley. Irene is also survived by her four siblings, Donna Karen Vandever Yelverton of Baton Rouge, Ken Vandever and wife Claudia, Joel Vandever of Lake Charles, and David Vandever and his spouse Jackie of Lake Charles.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Derwood and Anna Vandever. Irene was closest with her mother, Anna, and after the death of her father, lived and shared adventures with Anna through the rest of her years, including a White House Christmas party with George and Laura Bush.

Irene was a dedicated businesswoman, humanitarian, and active member of her community. She was a past President of the Republican Women's Club of Jefferson Davis Parish, and spent time working with AmeriCorps and Big Brothers / Big Sisters as a volunteer. She was a member of Mensa, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, and found great joy in the camaraderie of the Gator Girls. She loved traveling with her family across Europe and the United States. Above all, Irene treasured her roles as mother, Oma, and sister, cherishing her extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved deeply.

The family wished to thank the nurses and staff of Memorial Hospital, Resthaven Nursing Home, and Brighton Bridge Hospice. These heroes tended to her every need and ensured that her final moments were peaceful.

A time of gathering for family and friends will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10:00am until 2:00pm, at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA. 70605. The family has entrusted cremation arrangements to Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office Animal Control.