OUR TOWN
Editor’s note: For full obituary information on Irene Michna, who died July 14, see page 3.
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know Irene Michna. She has always been such a positive influence in Taylor for as long as I can remember. She loved her family, her town, her school and her classmates from the Taylor High School Class of 1962. She loved life and everyone she knew, and you felt that love just by being around her.
There were so many times when I arrived at a crowded event and heard her call, “Tim!” I would follow that familiar voice to find Irene’s big smile and open arms. My day was always brighter after visiting with Irene.
At one particular event at the athletic stadium, I was on the track with my camera when I heard her familiar voice call my name from up in the stands. I turned to see Irene with her camera/ phone in hand, and of course just seeing her made me smile.
She took my picture, telling me it was time for the cameraman to be in front of the camera, and she shared that photo on Facebook.
She always showed a deep interest in those around her, and having my photo taken by Irene and shared on social media made my day.
Irene was a worker.
She has probably served on every committee that anyone could possibly serve on – all to make Taylor an outstanding place to live and work.
She had a talent for bringing people together, getting things done and making memories for so many that would last a lifetime.
It’s been said that when it came to getting things done, Irene had two speeds: Full speed ahead and faster. When I mentioned that to her a few years ago, she laughed, and then in a more serious voice said, “I love this town.”
Her passion and dedication are truly unmatched.
Irene glowed with excitement when she talked about the projects she had worked on including Tex Avery Day, Taylor’s 125th birthday and the barbecue cookoffs just to name a few.
Her efforts extended beyond Taylor with her leadership in the Old Settlers Association and the Williamson County Museum in Georgetown. Her favorite school memories included playing drums in the band under the direction of Mr. Walter Whitlow as well as participating in volleyball and softball.
A favorite memory from sixth grade involved a blackbird that would fly into the classroom through an open window to steal a pen or pencil off someone’s desk before flying away again. They never found where that bird was taking those items.
Irene was always at school events to support her children and grandchildren. She never missed homecoming, nor special events with friends from high school. They enjoyed an extra-special gathering at the first game at the new stadium to support the Ducks.
Irene had a special shirt made to wear to that initial game to show her school spirit.
Lettering on the front spelled “Class of 1962,” and on the back, “Green and White Shall Ever Fly.”
The Class of ‘62 often referred to Irene as, “The glue that holds our class together.” She would always keep them updated, letting them know about celebrations and when someone needed prayers. She also helped plan opportunities for them to get together, like the special reunion at the stadium.
Irene received many well-deserved honors including the Congressional Recognition presented by Congressman John Carter and Taylor’s Woman of the Year. She also was inducted into the Taylor High School Duck Hall of Fame.
About five years ago, I interviewed Irene for the video series “Taking Flight” on the Taylor Independent School District YouTube channel. At the end I always ask my interviewees for their words of advice, or as I like to call them, Words to Soar By.
This is what Irene had to say: “Get involved with your city and your town. We need more volunteers. There are so many people who love their town and we need for them to step forward. People sit back and say, ‘Oh, you should do this, or you should do that.’ They should do it. I encourage each one of my children to get as involved as they can because it is rewarding.”
Thank you, Irene, for making a difference in the lives of so many.
Thank you for making Taylor a better place.
Future generations will benefit from the positive impact you have had here.
Rest easy, my friend.
I’m sure going to miss you.
Crow is a longtime Taylor resident and retired from the Taylor Independent School District after 40 years of service. For a topic or suggestion, reach out to Crow via jason.chlapek@ granitemediapartners. com.
Proud Taylor Duck, Irene Michna, visits with the Taylor High School mascot, Waddles, at a recent homecoming.
Irene Michna (right) is inducted into the Taylor High School Duck Hall of Fame in 2015 by Taylor High School Ex-Students Association President Pat Helbert.
