Irene Amanda Hall
August 23, 1931-August 16, 2026

Irene Amanda Hall, age 94, entered her eternal rest with our Lord and Savior on August 16, 2026, whiles urrounded by much of her family. 

Irene was born at home in Smithville Flats, NY on August 23, 1931,the daughter of Harold Copeland and Marie (Hofmann) Copeland. Following the loss of her mother,Irene was raised by her maternal grandparents, Ludvig and Marie (Boeltz) Hofmann and her dear Aunt Amanda and Uncle Bill Hofmann. They provided a framework of loving care founded in faithful Christian values, service to God, family and community. Growing up on the Hofmann family’s working dairy farm provided a richness of experiences within a hub of activity that shaped her life. Irene fondly recalled these treasured memories: going with Uncle Bill to gather sap with the team of horses, watching and assisting his maple syrup production in the sugar shack, gathering, washing and sorting eggs for market, riding along to pick up milk at neighboring farms to take with their own to the creamery, helping Aunt Amanda in the garden and kitchen, attending the Presbyterian Church, and hosting the pastor in their home following service. She enjoyed many hours reading, seeing double feature Westerns on the big screen, playing with her dog Sandy, and adventuring on horseback as often as possible.After receiving her elementary education in Greene, Irene stayed weekdays in an apartment in Endicott with Aunt Amanda during the school year, coming home on weekends. This allowed her to attend Union-Endicott Central School from 7-12th grade, where she graduated in 1949. She furthered her studies at the Charles S. Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Johnson City, completing the extensive three-year program to become a registered nurse in 1952. While working as a RN at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Irene met Bernard “Bernie” Hall. They found they got along quite nicely and were joined in marriage on February 21, 1953, at the Smithville Flats Presbyterian Church. Irene continued working as a nurse until they started a family. They were blessed with eight children born between 1953-1968.Bernie and Irene moved from Chenango Forks to Marathon, NY in 1956, determined to raise their family on the Turner Hill Road farm. Through Bernie and Irene’s vision, hard work, and stewardship, the Hall Farm still thrives today. The farm is central to the development of the Hall family clan.As a mom, she was our champion! She was our protector, fierce advocate, a firm disciplinarian, who taught right from wrong. There was unfailing love and devotion, sprinkled with a bit of mischief,adventure and her ever-present humor. One of her favorite sayings was “laughter is the best medicine.”Irene dedicated her life to family. Our mom celebrated our individuality, which was blended with her high regard for education. Mom looked for opportunities to enhance our interests. She was our cheerleader and loved us unconditionally. There is no doubt that the example set by our mom and dad of working together has benefited the whole family. We celebrate one another. Mom was involved in the community, and we were often with her. Mom was actively involved in 4-H programs including horse shows at local, county and state levels. She was our “room mother” for holiday celebrations at school and chaperoned many class trips. Irene taught bread-making for Cortland County Cooperative Extension, volunteered at the Willet Food Co-operative, was a contributing member of TOPS Marathon Chapter, and was a supporter of the Russ Hall St. Jude’s Walkathon. Irene was a life-long learner. She tackled correspondence courses, cooperative education and BOCES classes. She learned computer data entry, accounting processes of record and bookkeeping to support Dad in managing the farm accounts. There were numerous health and nutrition courses undertaken, and even a carpentry course. Mom was always happy to share with others what she had learned. Mom was a creative soul who loved crafting. She designed fiber arts, mixed media creations from found objects, macramé works, and dream catchers. She taught herself to knit, quilt and sew. Our mom was happy to teach anyone who wanted to learn and excited to gift her creations to others. Irene enjoyed riding and driving horses; raising goats; chickens; square dancing; bowling; snowmobiling; motorcycle outings; plays; art shows; and opportunities to travel. Many of us were blessed to accompany our mom on Foster Friends trips led by Williamay Zeiter, and excursions to the Hawaiian Islands, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Alaska. A highlight was a cross-country trip to Montana with Bernie and son, Steve, to visit family. In all her travels she reveled in the experiences shared and the beauty God created. She took special delight in connecting with people she met. Irene always greeted others with a welcoming smile, a warm twinkle in her eyes, genuine interest and a gentle touch.Bernie and Irene’s home was a welcome haven for others, testimony to their generosity of spirit, and unwavering desire to help others. She was called to offer kindness, comfort and care. When Mom and Dad knew of a family or child in need, they welcomed them into our home. Mom and Dad had many“adopted children” who stayed with us for a while. As Fresh Air Program Home Hosts, Mom and Dad fostered an underprivileged child from NYC for a summer. All those staying with us benefited from Mom and Dad’s loving care, lessons from life on the farm and inclusion in our family. Mom always made sure there was enough food for everyone including unexpected guests. All were welcomed with open arms. Irene exhibited exceptional faith, fortitude and resilience to weather life’s challenges, especially as shea ged. The Hall family is eternally grateful to the care team, “friends” who have become family, for their love and support of our mother, Irene.

Irene is survived by her children Kenneth (Donna) Hall of Cooperstown, Kathleen (Roger Santos) Hall of Cortland, Cheryl (Larri) Leet of Marathon, Darryl (Kaye) Hall of Cortland, Lori (Thomas) Johnson of Pharsalia, and Bryan (Veronica) Hall of Marathon; numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Bernard E. Hall in 2015, her sons Russell L. Hall in1998 and Steven G. Hall in 2020.

The Hall family will be present to receive friends at the Marathon Memorial Chapel, 4071 State Route221, Marathon, NY, on August 27, 2026 from 10am-12pm. A memorial service will be held immediately after led by Pastor Thomas Heotzler, followed by graveside burial in Marathon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of the following in remembrance of Irene Hall:  The Church of Blodgett Mills at 3333 Clute Road, Cortland, NY 13045; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Boys and Girls Club of America at 1275 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309.