Elva "Irene" Albritton

Elva “Irene” Hager Albritton

July 9, 1939 ~ April 8, 2021

Elva “Irene” Hager Albritton passed away at the age of 81 on April 8, 2021, with her children by her side.

She was born on July 9, 1939 to Mamie Damron Hager and Fred Wilson Hager in Logan, West Virginia. She graduated from Logan High School in 1957. She worked at Aracoma Drugstore for a bit after she graduated. She then married. Her husband was stationed in Bermuda, her sister Florence went to live with them during this time. Florence and Irene shared many funny adventures. Florence and Irene traveled to many states after Irene’s divorce. Irene then had a daughter, Victoria, or “Vic-c-c!”, Irene spent the rest of her life working hard to make a good life for her. They would pack their baby girls up and head on out to find the state to call “home”. For Irene, that home was Utah. She relocated here in 1973. During this time, she joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, later taking out her endowments.

She worked in dentistry for many years as a dental assistant. For a while she worked as a waitress at Don Pedro’s in Layton. Don Pedro’s would prove to be pivotal in her life. While working there, she met many people and friends who were in her life until her passing. She also met James, who would become her beloved son-in-law.  In 1987, she was hired on at J.A.S Inc. she spent the remainder of her work career with J.A.S., retiring in 2018 after 31 years with them. She worked in just about every department they had and made many friends and a lasting impression upon co-workers, customers and clients. I think everyone knew “Irene”. In all her travels she never lost her accent. She never failed to answer a phone call with a “hi honey!” It didn’t matter who was on the other end of the line. Her co-workers were considered family to her, and she kept in contact with many of them after retiring.

Mama wasn’t perfect. She could be cantankerous, ornery, demanding, totally lovable and funny at the same time. I know there were many times I lost my patience with her and got irritated with her. But she taught me how to love, what love is, that love is not perfect, nor is it an easy road. But it is a road so worth traveling. She taught me the importance of family, of perseverance and forgiveness. She touched so many lives along the way that we weren’t even aware of until her passing. What a testament to how a simple hug and a smile can touch and affect someone’s life. What a profound gift my mom had. My mom approached life as if no matter who you are, no matter what title you hold, everyone can use a hug. It was her goal to let as many people know that they matter. I’m so privileged and proud to be your daughter, mama. Though I miss you beyond belief, it comforts my soul to know you are now reunited with Michael and everyone else in our family. You did well, mom. Fly free and hug every angel you meet. I love you.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Victoria Norton, her son-in-law, James and her grandson, Corwin and grandchildren Kohlbie and Mason. Her nieces, Belinda Gene Robbins, Karen Mauchley, Sandra Wade and nephews, Ron Hager and Fred Hager, (all from Utah).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mamie, her beloved brother, Ernest Hager and her beautiful sister-in-law, Anna Hager, her sister, Florence and her recently deceased grandson Michael Norton. It thrills me to know Michael was there to welcome her home. Just imagining the joyous reunion that she is having with her family in heaven is so comforting and helps with the heartache of her passing.

We will be holding a Celebration of Life on July 9, her birthday.