Anna Lucile (Chaplin) Irwin, 91, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, after a long illness.

Born May 25, 1915, one of nine children, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Chaplin of Olney, Ill. Growing up, she worked and played in the apple and peach orchards on the university farm where she lived.

She was a graduate of Olney Township High School. After graduation, she did office work in several states and studied art in Memphis, Tenn. She made peaceful, welcoming homes in the many places she lived with her husband and two children. She was an accomplished painter, seamstress and quilter. She lived in Hendersonville from 1974-2001. She was a member of Hendersonville United Methodist Church and volunteered for the American Red Cross and the Pardee Hospital Auxiliary.

 Her husband of 42 years, Hugh S. Irwin of Hendersonville, died in 1981.

Surviving are a daughter, Patricia L. Bennett of Brevard; a son, Hugh S. Irwin of Harrisburg, Pa.; a sister, Pat C. Stiles of Flat Rock; three granddaughters, Kim Bennett, Cheryl Bennett and Lauren Jenkins; and 18 nieces and nephews.

She was strong, kind and beautiful. She was well loved by an ever widening circle of family, friends and those who knew her. She will be greatly missed. A private memorial service held at the home of her daughter in Brevard. Entombment at Shepherd Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Asheville Citizen-Times (NC) - Sunday, September 25, 2005