Irene Phelps Thorman, 70, died after a brief, fierce battle with cancer Monday, Aug. 2, 2010.

Irene devoted her life to teaching and educational reform, retiring after 26 years in the Cincinnati Public Schools. Most recently, she taught English as a Second Language to children at Withrow High School. She was recognized for maintaining standards of excellence for her students in a warm and exciting educational environment. Active in the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, she was named its Member of the Year, served as the Chair of its Policy Committee, and was instrumental in developing and implementing a Peer Appraisal Model. She was recognized nationally for her work in education and served eight years as an original member of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. A voracious reader, Irene adored time spent with her sons, their wives and her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years William A. Thorman Jr., sons William III, Christopher, Benjamin (Sandi), Toby “Joel” (Christine), Peter (fiancée Michell Vaeth), and Alex (Jane), grandchildren Eleanor and Clio, Cahla and Melanie, Joanna and Timothy, siblings Donnay Coyler, Barbara Emery, Patricia Arszman, and several hundred family, foster family, and friends too numerous to name.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Cincinnati East, 7691 Five Mile Road, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45230, in recognition and thanks for the staff’s loving care and treatment of her.