LANCASTER, SC ~ Irene Norma Lavigne Plyler, age 79, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.  Irene was born November 30, 1944 to Lionel and Jeannette Lavigne in Manchester, NH and grew up in Laconia, NH. In 1976, she married Jerry A. Plyler of Lancaster, SC, he having "completely out punted his coverage" as her boys often told him.  From that time, they built a life, home, and family in Lancaster.  With Jerry came a son whom she gladly took as if he were hers, and five years later she had a son of her own.  It was as a mother and grandmother that Irene found her greatest purpose and joy and leaves her greatest legacy.

Irene served as assistant to several County Administrators over her more than 38-year career with the county.  She also served as Lancaster County's first and longest serving Clerk of Council.  In her work at the County office, Irene made lifelong friendships with the finest and most fiercely loyal friends any person could ever hope to have.

To all who knew her, Irene was a picture of feminine class, tenderness, kindness, and generosity.   She was also as tough as nails.  She was a breast cancer survivor and later survived a series of strokes that left her legally blind.  Though she always longed for her health to return, she was never embittered by what she endured.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Jerry Plyler, her father Lionel Lavigne, her mother Jeannette Breton Lavigne, and her sister Norma Pariseau.  She is survived by two sons:  Brett Plyler of Indian Land, SC, his wife Brittani and grandchildren Blaine, Briggs, and Brynn; Bryan Plyler of Lugoff, SC, his wife Lisa, and grandchildren Hannah Carron (Jacob), Zachary (Sarah), Anna Grace, and Vance.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Plyler will be 12:30 pm Saturday April 20, 2024, at Saint Catherine Catholic Church officiated by Father Javier Heredia. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

Rosary Service will be at 9:00 am Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, at Burgess Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:30 am – 11:30 am at Burgess Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorials may be made to The Women's Enrichment Center, 720 S. Main St., Lancaster SC 29720.