I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Irene's passing. I met her through Lesley and she had such a bright and vibrant spirit that truly lit up any room she entered. Her sense of humor was infectious, always finding a way to bring laughter to people. I was constantly laughing and smiling around her especially when she use to visit. I loved her sarcasm, jokes, and the faces we use to make to each other from across the store silently understanding each other. What I’ll always remember most is how immediately she made people feel comfortable and safe. She was easy to talk to and  a great friend to confide in. This is a rare gift, making everyone feel welcomed and cared for, and her presence was a source of warmth for so many. Irene was an amazing person —always encouraging, honest, and supportive. Whether in moments of joy or challenge, she stood by the people she cared about, offering kindness and a shoulder to lean/cry on. Her kindness and light will never be forgotten.

Irene and family were my first Colorado visitors — with Irene and Jeanne

Birthday dinner — with Jenessa, Jeanne, Lesley and Irene

Happy birthday and Cirque du Soliel — with Lesley, Jeanne, Irene and Jenessa

Irene, I don't know where to start!  We met when your boys were in preschool, a group of moms around a table having lunch.   My kids were older, almost through at McGaugh; and your service to McGaugh was only beginning.  I guess I mentored you through some PTA positions; we shared many hours working on projects, which usually included lunch.  I had met Lesley when our girls were in Kindergarten together, we knew each other but our kid's circles didn't overlap.  And then - boom - Lunch Bunch was formed; you, Lesley, Cathy and myself - and we certainly tried to solve everything!!

From there, life's trials and tribulations only grew and multiplied.  Yes, we shared some truly up times and some really down times.  We always had each other over lunch to just talk,  and many times we did just that and then some.   

Over time, we shared many adventures.  We traveled to Dallas to see Lesley, to Las Vegas for my birthday, and many trips to Humbolt (and books on tape!) to help Anne.  We played (Disneyland),  we continued with projects (memory books, invites, or whatever you needed)  and there were the parties - Anne and Bonnie's birthday and a surprise party for your 60th!  We leaned on each other the morning Kacie passed away and for a few other significant passings.  But mostly, we laughed!  You saw the brightness in this world.   You shared with flowers for birthdays, and always remembered special days.  Jenessa is lucky to have had you as her "other mother".   You gave to everyone, whether it be just your smile, or a special gift, or throwing a party!!

I visited you in Ridgefield, you visited me in Colorado and you showed up for surprise visits.  "The road to a friend's home is never long" is ever so true.   I will see you down the road, my friend, but until then the memories we made will keep living on!

Jeanne, Nessa & baby Casey were in town. Irene drove up to surprise them! Lunch bunch together again for a final time. — with Jenessa *Jeanne *Irene *baby Casey *Cathy *Lesley *Jaden

Irene surprised us at our yearly family birthday celebration for Kacie, with birthday balloons for my 60th the next day! — with Lesley & Irene

— with Irene *Lesley *Darren *Don

— with Kim *Lesley *Jeanne *Irene

— with Lesley & Irene

— with Irene *Jeanne *Lesley *Jaden

— with Irene & Lesley

I don't even know where to start or how to shout it to the world, just how special Irene is to me.  She was more than a dear friend; she was the big sister I never had.  It is no surprise to me that my daughter Kacie, brought us together about 24 years ago.  She met Kacie at McGaugh elementary school and in no time Kacie had a place in Irene's heart. She told Kacie that she "wanted to meet her mom". That is how this cherished friendship was started. I joined lunch bunch with her and Jeanne and sometimes Cathy too. Irene, Jeanne and I were called the 3 musketeers on the campus of McGaugh. We faithfully met every Wednesday for breakfast or lunch to share the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly, of our lives. We were a trio at Select Nail on Main Street.   She supported me through the good and bad times and even went along with some of my crazy dreams. My daughter had a very serious chronic medical condition since birth. In '08 my world came crashing down on me. She held me in the hospital when I was inconsolable after the doctors told us she was dying of cancer that had spread everywhere. Irene never wavered in her support. She would take Jaden 1 yr. old, whose adoption had just been finalized, anytime I cried out for help.  She helped feed my family while I spent every minute at the hospital. She held me up when Kacie died and has been my rock for 16 years. Every year on Kacie's birthday, which ironically is Don and Irene's anniversary, I have received a beautiful bouquet of pink flowers.  For 16 years, I have also received a pink bouquet on the anniversary of her death. She is the most generous giving soul. 

Our family moved to TX a year after Kacie passed.  By the time  her and Jeanne came for a visit, we were already planning our move back to CA. She surprised me with one more visit on Jaden's 4th birthday! She was known for surprisingly showing up.  I was SO happy to be back with my friends, my support system. 

Irene, Jeanne and I picked up where we left off. Lunch bunch, trip to Vegas for Jeanne's birthday, nails, school events, Super Bowl parties, and supporting each other through life. I can't begin to tell you how devastated I was when Irene announced they were moving to WA.  My heart sank. It didn't stop our bond. We talked all the time. We shared happy news, we vented, we laughed and we cried. I made trips to Washington and thank goodness she still had family in Ca, and made lots of trips back here. She was always checking in on me and worrying about me from afar. Then Jeanne dropped the next bomb and announced they were moving to CO. I was devastated again and never felt so alone. It didn't stop our bond. Irene and I traveled to Co for Jenessa's wedding, we met up in CA and somehow the bond continued. Ironically, I was in Co visiting Jeanne, when we got the devastating news that Irene was in the hospital with terminal pancreatic cancer. We were in total shock and sadness. We could not believe how fast our dear queen Irene left us. I find myself thinking  " I can't wait to call Irene and tell her this", and then it becomes so real. I can't. A big piece of me is lost without her. We talked on the phone up until 3 days before she passed. I asked her to find Kacie. She said "oh I will". That is my only solace, is to picture Kacie and Irene giggling together, and of course, to know Irene did not suffer. 

She surprised me on Kacie's birthday (the 6th) and my 60th (the 7th) this past April. I am so thankful for the time we spent together for those few days. Little did I know, it would be our final time together. Love your people while you can.  I love Irene dearly and will forever keep her alive in my heart.