A Trip Down Memory Lane: Celebrating Iris Irene Weber, Kansas Interpreter

As October approaches, it is always a joy to reminisce about the good old days-as it was my mom's favorite time of year. Recently, an old article from 1994 caught my eye, sparking a delightful nostalgia about my mom, Iris Irene Weber. This article has been a cherished fixture on our refrigerator for over 20 years, thanks to Jacob Mooney, who discovered it when he was just three. Little did that young boy know that it would become a lasting tribute to an extraordinary woman. In the article, my mom’s journey as an interpreter shines brightly. She was not only a professional but also a beacon of joy and talent in her field. Over the years, she received numerous invitations to interpret at various events, showcasing her remarkable skills. One of the standout moments was the time she received a call from someone associated with the Clinton Administration—a memory that always brings a smile to my face. I still laugh at the sheer excitement that unfolded when that fateful call came through. Imagine a typical day, lazing in my bedroom, with me blissfully unaware of the historic moment about to unfold. The phone rang, and without knowing who was on the other end, I rushed down the stairs, shouting, “Moooom! President Clinton’s people are on the phone!” It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever, not just because of the call itself but because it encapsulated the unfiltered joy of youth—a reminder of the admiration I felt for my mom and her incredible journey. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to accompany her to events that showcased her talent. As a toddler, I've been told I met the Von Trapp Family, the family that prompted the movie “The Sound of Music.” The most amusing encounter she had was with Terry Bradshaw. While he was graciously signing autographs, a fan mistook my mom for someone famous and asked her for her signature. In true Bradshaw fashion, he glanced at her and said, “Just sign it!” The laughter we shared over those moments speaks to the charm of my mom’s life. One particularly unforgettable experience took place when I was around six or seven. Mom had to take me along to an emergency at the Kansas City Police Department, and we ended up locked in a cell! It’s stories like these that paint a vivid picture of her dedication and adventurous spirit. While my mom’s professional interactions were abundant, she often shared her fondest and least favorite memories. Dudley Moore stood out as the nicest celebrity she’d met—a testament to his character. In contrast, her experience with Maya Angelou wasn’t as warm, which surprised many of us considering Angelou’s celebrated persona. These stories of her ties to the interpreting world and interactions with notable personalities add to the fascinating tapestry of her life. Each opportunity infused her life with stories that would make anyone envious but she was always too humble to talk about her achievements, instead shifting focus on the Deaf folks. She always said, "I am the bridge between the Deaf & Hearing world. Interpreters are to blend in, not draw attention to themselves." As I reflect on my mother’s legacy, I can’t help but feel immense pride. Her knowledge and passion were skillfully honed under the streetlamps, beginning in 1953-1954, of Kansas City Kansas streets & parking lots by my sweetheart daddy, who played the most pivotal role in shaping her career. It’s these beautiful fragments of the past that remind us of the joys and adventures that life can bring. Here's to Iris Irene Weber—a remarkable woman whose stories continue to inspire us all.