Irene L Dugan, 95, of Rock Island, passed away on December 3, 2025 at Friendship Manor in Rock Island. Born on May 16, 1930, in Muskegon, MI, a daughter of Alcide and Ethel (Plymers) Goulet. She was a graduate of Saint Joseph High School and crowned Miss Rock Island in 1948. That same year, she began teaching at Tangle Foot Dance Cottage, later known in 1979 as the Dugan Dance Studio, where she inspired generations of dancers and was known as Miss Irene. Irene also managed Mr. Fresh and worked for Cora's Novelty Shack, where she discovered her love of floral arrangements.

On February 14, 1950, Irene married James Dugan, and together they shared 59 years of marriage. They were blessed with nine children, and her family grew to include 39 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: James Dugan II, Terri Elliott, Edward Dugan (Karen), Patrick Dugan (Cathy), Sandra Guzzo (Joe), Brad Dugan (Dora), and Vicki Hamlett (David).

Irene was preceded in death by parents, Alcide and Ethel Goulet; her husband, James Dugan; her daughters, Patrisha Dugan and Valerie Merrill; her grandson, Bradley Dugan; along with all her siblings.

Irene was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rock Island, where she was involved with the Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary (Daughters of Isabella). Guided by her unwavering Catholic faith, Irene cherished her family. She especially loved spending time with her grandkids, playing cards, and fishing. Irene will be remembered for her devotion, her dance, and the love she shared with all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rock Island. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, with a rosary to be recited at 4:00 pm. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in care of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rock Island or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Friendship Manor and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care of Irene.

Online condolences may be left for the family on Irene's tribute wall.