![]() |
![]() | ![]() |

Irene Doris VanVorst, a beacon of warmth and love, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, at the age of 73, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Born on October 3, 1952, in Canastota, New York, Irene's life was a testament to the power of love and faith that she cultivated throughout her years.
Irene was the cherished daughter of the late Lyle Chafee and Elizabeth Rasabeth, and she carried the legacy of her parents' love and wisdom in every action. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she was a partner in life to her late husband, Nelson VanVorst Sr., with whom she shared a love that was a guiding star to all who knew them. Together, they nurtured a family that would grow and flourish, including their beloved children, the late Judy Campany, and Nelson VanVorst Jr., who, alongside his wife Rhonda, continued Irene's legacy of love and family.
She was a loving sister to Lyle, Rosie, Vera, and many others, each of whom added a unique thread to the rich tapestry of her life. Irene's grandchildren, including the late Nelson VanVorst III, Ronald Campany, Josh Campany, and Bradley VanVorst, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren Kaydence, Kylie, Grayson, Jenson, Scarlet, and Colton, brought her immense joy and pride. Her role as a grandmother was not just a title but a vocation, one that she embraced with every fiber of her being.
Irene's life was a testament to the saying by Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” As a homemaker, Irene's work history may not have been etched in the annals of industry or commerce, but it was recorded in the hearts and memories of all who were blessed to enter her home. Her association involvement, although more modest in the public eye, was deeply felt within the community that she served with humility and grace.
Her interests were simple yet profound: family was the nucleus of her world. Irene's life was an ever-unfolding story of moments cherished, lessons shared, and love multiplied. She was the epitome of someone who was loving, faith-filled, and interesting, never failing to captivate with her wisdom, kindness, and the fascinating tales of life that she shared.
Irene Doris VanVorst leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bloom in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a journey of compassion and devotion, and her memory will be a guiding light to her family and friends. Irene's story does not end with her passing but continues in the lives of those she loved, a beautiful, enduring narrative of a matriarch whose presence was a gift to all.
As we bid farewell to Irene, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy, a life that was a bright flame of love in the lives of many. May her story inspire us to live with the same love and faith that she exemplified every day. Rest in peace, Irene Doris VanVorst, knowing that your spirit lives on in the beauty of the family you cherished, the home you made, and the countless lives you touched.
This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2026 Oklahoma CemeteriesThe information on this site is provided free for the purpose of researching your genealogy. This material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for your own research, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The information contained in this site may not be copied to any other site without written "snail-mail" permission. If you wish to have a copy of a donor's material, you must have their permission. All information found on these pages is under copyright of Oklahoma Cemeteries. This is to protect any and all information donated. The original submitter or source of the information will retain their copyright. Unless otherwise stated, any donated material is given to Oklahoma Cemeteries to make it available online. This material will always be available at no cost, it will always remain free to the researcher.