Callena Seward Irby, 92, affectionately known to all as "Mother," was called from labor to reward on June 29, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana
 

Her Journey
Mother was born on December 11, 1933, in Conway, Arkansas, to the union of Leroy Shine and Rosetta Colwye Shine. She later relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where the South Bend Community School Corporation educated her. Driven by a passion to care for others, she enrolled in nursing school after graduation, earning her degree and license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Mother went on to dedicate many years of compassionate service to the residents at Healthwin, Topsfield nursing home and St. Joseph’s Hospital.  It was after coming from Conway, Arkansas, that she met and married the love of her life, Archie C. Irby, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
 

Her Legacy of Love

True to her name, "Mother" was a maternal figure to everyone she met. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth where all were welcome, and no one was ever turned away without a good meal.  She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including playing the lottery, taking trips to the casino, shopping at Kroger’s, and watching sports on TV.  An exceptional baker, she was famous for her delicious, sweet treats, especially her renowned dump cake.  Even in her leisure time, her caring spirit was demonstrated as she regularly visited friends and family at the local nursing homes.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories:
Her Daughters: Linda Elaine Seward and Marilyn Diane Seward, both of South Bend, IN., her Sons: James (Jennifer) Seward, Ricky (Kimberly) Erby, Archie Bernard (Debra) Irby, and Derrick A. Irby, all of South Bend, IN., special Grandchildren (whom she raised): Marvin (Genevieve) James of Arizona and Jason L. Seward of California.

Extended Family: A host of beloved grandchildren Jerome Seward Jr., Rashawn Seward, Candace Seward, Monise Seward, Mia Seward, Marcus (Betty) Seward, James Aaron Seward, Sr., Deon (Nikeya) Griffin, Shawntay Seward, Ronisha, Ronnie Seward Jr., Bernard K. Irby, Aisha Erby, Austin Erby, Leticia Beserra, Kennetha Anderson, and Jacques (Robert) Horton and Deron Weatherspoon as well as a host of Great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Mother was preceded in death by: Her Beloved Husband: Archie C. Irby, her Children: Two sons, Jerome Seward and Ronnie Seward; and three daughters, Carol Seward, Jackie Erby, and Geraldine Irby, her Siblings: one brother, Entee Shine, and one sister, Helen Purchas, her Grandchild: Jermaine Baker, her Special Friends: Willowmina Lottie, Joanne Phillips, Pauline Sales, and Eddie Johnson.

Mother will be deeply missed by all and remembered for the countless lives she touched in her own special way. She was a true blessing to her community and a cornerstone of her family.