Irene Blanche Fisk, 85, of Alpena, previously of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, passed away Friday, June 5, 2009, at Tendercare Greenview after a brief illness.

Born November 2, 1923, in Hilham, Tennessee to the late J. P. and Ruby (Ayers) Maxwell, she married Oscar Fisk July 11, 1942. He preceded her in death in 1987.

One of the renowned Rosie the Riveters who worked on the B-29 bombers in World War II, she also worked as a waitress for over 20 years in Detroit, MI. She was a member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Warren, MI. An independent spirit with an insatiable desire to know everything about all people who crossed her path, she simply tried to make people smile.

Surviving are a daughter, Marilyn (Dan) Sassin of Alpena, grandsons Paul Sassin of Rochester Hills and Timothy Sassin of Midland; a sister Geraldine Upton of New Port Richey, FL; brothers Jerrold (Audrey) Maxwell of Clinton Twp., and Bill (Villa) Maxwell of Hilham, TN; cousins and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her son Max Fisk and her brother John (Christine) Maxwell.

A Christian graveside service will be held at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Detroit on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 1 p.m. Arrangements by Bannan Funeral Home.