POUGHKEEPSIE - Irma Mae Cannon, 85, a lifelong area resident, arrived in the arms of our Heavenly Father surrounded in love by her family. Irma retired from F. A. Hartell's in 1990 to care for her grandchildren. Over the years, she worked at Fogarty's Shoe Store, Pharmhouse, Hallmark and JC Penney.

Born in Stormville, NY on September 1, 1932, she was the daughter of William Sr. and Ella Mae Morse.

She is survived by her three brothers and two sisters; her six children, Patti Ross (Ron Lerner), Roberta Eastwood, Robert Burger Jr. (Jackie), Kathleen Dandeneau (Dana), Michael Burger (Sherry) and Anthony Burger; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren - her heart and soul, the loves of her life.

Irma valiantly and bravely challenged and battled kidney and bone cancer for over a year. She rallied her family for support, guidance and strength. She was a bright light, offering kindness, hugs and kisses to everyone who crossed her path. She believed everyone has something good about them. People are beautiful on the inside and that's what counts. As soon as she met someone, she shared that she had 6 children, 3 girls and 3 boys. She loved her family, her home and gardens, her birds and turkeys. She loved to dance, sing, read and play games. She loved to walk and exercise. She was very patriotic; she loved the USA and the American Flag. She prayed for our soldiers at every meal. She loved the simple things in life - the things money can't buy.

Her family is forever grateful to the angels from HV Hospice; Penny (Pennies from Heaven), her pillar of strength who cared, loved and sang to her each day; and to Dr. Jha, Dr. Bui, the fab team at Coumadin, Dr. Otero (Taylor and April), Dr. Rubin, and Dr. Popadopoulos, for caring, supporting and consoling her throughout her illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: St. Jude Children's Hospital, (www.stjude.org), St. Joseph's Indian School (www.stjo.org/donate) or Hudson Valley Hospice (www.hvhospice.org).

At Irma's request, a small service will take place at the Community Mausoleum Chapel at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie on Tuesday at 10am for close friends and family. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit Irma’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

Irma's last request was for everyone to be kind to one another <3.