Thousands of Hoosiers have died since the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020 and we know — they're more than just numbers. If you've lost a loved one to COVID-19 and want to share their story reach out to us at FacesOfCovid@wrtv.com.
FORT WAYNE — Whether she was babysitting her grandchildren, attending volleyball games, or taking photos at her daughter's gender reveal party to capture the big moment, Kindra Irons' family was the most important thing in her life.
Her daughter, Angel Spencer, gave WRTV a glimpse into the life of her mom, which she says was cut short because of COVID-19.
"If you knew her you knew she was bragging about her girls. My sisters play volleyball so she was always talking about volleyball this or volleyball that or (talking about) the grandkids," Spencer said.
Spencer is Irons' oldest child, born when her mom was 16. The two grew up together.
Not only was she able to see her mom find a loving husband and give birth to her two younger sisters, but she also got to see her mom progress in the career she loved: nursing.
"She did burn, ER, eventually she ended up making it to house supervisor and she coordinated all the nursing needs for the hospital," Spencer said. Irons eventually became a nurse practitioner and started working for Home Health, doing in-home visits. Unfortunately, that's how her family thinks she contracted the virus despite taking all the recommended precautions in public and at work.
"At work, she wore the face shield and the whole hazmat suit," Spencer said. "It was a shock that she got it."
Spencer is tired of dealing with people who suggest the virus isn't that bad because most people who get it aren't dying.
"It infuriates me. I actually work at a restaurant and even if people refuse to wear a mask, they say 'we're going to take it off in five seconds.' Yeah, but that five seconds could save somebody's life," Spencer said.
She urges everyone to continue following all the COVID-19 safety guidelines along with getting vaccinated when it's made available to you.
Irons was on a ventilator for six weeks before dying. She leaves behind a husband of more than 16-years, Marcus Irons; three kids: Angel Spencer, Marcus Irons Jr., Diamond Irons, Aniyah Irons; three grandchildren: Ay'Den Spencer, Malani Irons, Elijah Spencer and two more grandchildren expected in February.
"My mom was young. There was no good reason for her to pass away. My life goal is to keep sharing her story. Everything she was, I want to push out to the world," Spencer said.
GoFundMe for Kindra Irons' Family
