Irene Elizabeth Noorda

Irene Elizabeth (Wesemann) Noorda
September 21, 1941 ~ November 9, 2026

Irene Elizabeth Wesemann Noorda, known to family and friends as “Mama Maserati,” reached her final destination on November 9, 2026, at the age of 85.

Irene was born September 21, 1941, in Salt Lake City, UT, the daughter of German immigrants Ernst Friedrich Wesemann and Anna Elizabeth Hubert. She grew up in a traditional German household, where she learned from her mother that food is an expression of love, hospitality, and family. It was a lesson she took to heart and practiced for the rest of her life.

On one of her many visits to San Diego, California, Irene was introduced to a young Navy lieutenant named Lee Noorda by her cousin Astrid, who was truly her sister in life. Astrid clearly had a good eye. Irene and Lee were married in the Logan Utah Temple on May 24, 1968, and shared 39 years together until Lee’s passing in 2007.

Whether she was preparing a holiday feast, cooking cherished German recipes, or simply gathering everyone around her table, Irene found joy in nourishing others. Her kitchen became a place where memories were made, stories were shared, and everyone was welcome. Nobody left her house hungry, and very few left without a plate of leftovers.

Irene was equally famous for her lead foot. Anyone who rode with “Mama Maserati” quickly learned to buckle up, hold on, and say a little prayer. Speed limits, in Irene’s view, were more like suggestions. She will be missed by her family, her friends, and possibly the Utah Highway Patrol.

Above all, Irene was a loving mother and a proud, devoted grandmother. Nothing made her happier than having her family close, laughing together.

She is survived by her children, Pamela (Darv) Andersen, Janet Noorda, Phil (Kelly) Noorda, Jeff Noorda, and Scott (Edrienne) Noorda; and her grandchildren, Cole, Charly, Kya, and Cy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee; her parents; and two children, Christopher Lee and Lori Elizabeth.

In keeping with Irene’s wishes, a graveside service will be held for family and friends at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 11/13/26, at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery, located at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123, followed by a celebration of her life at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 S., West Jordan, UT, 84088. From 12:30-2:30 pm. 

The service will also be available on Zoom: https://byu.zoom.us/j/92484510320

And now, a matter of unfinished business. At Lee’s funeral in 2007, guests were given the ingredients to his famous salsa but were told they would have to wait for Irene’s funeral to get the exact measurements. The wait is over. The measurements will FINALLY be revealed. Come for the memories, stay for the salsa. (To receive the complete recipe, please call the IMSC Insurance Offices at 801-262-9002.)