It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of Irene P. Machado, who left us on January 27, 2024. Born on November 7, 1929, Irene led a life filled with rich experiences and warm connections. Her life will be celebrated on February 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery, with a reception to follow at 3:00 PM at Tudor Wines Tasting Room in Downtown Paso Robles.

Irene was predeceased by her parents Clyde and Florence Greene; partner, James ("Jim") Erwin Gwen; ex-husband, Donald George Machado; sister Della Hansen; daughter, Marlene Susan Machado, and her son, Donald George Machado Jr. ("Donny"). She is survived by her sister, Louise Carvalho; her granddaughters, Gina Grieb and Diana Rehling; and great-grandchildren, Cassie Rehling, Rod Rehling, and Erik Smit.

Irene was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri by parents Clyde and Florence Greene, alongside sisters Della and Louise, until her family decided to relocate to California. In 1947, she married Donald Machado and moved to Vallejo, where her two children were born. Not long after, they moved to San Pedro where they raised Donny and Marlene in their early years. Later, they relocated to Arroyo Grande, where they spent most of their years until the kids graduated high school and she parted ways with Donald.

Irene returned to school and earned her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, from Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, and then later graduated as a sharpshooter and Sheriff Deputy from the County of San Luis Obispo's (SLO) Sheriff's Academy. While attending Cuesta College, she worked for the Arroyo Grande Police Department as a Dispatcher and later worked for the SLO Sheriff's Dept. In the late 1980s, Irene retired from the SLO Sheriff's Department as Sheriff Deputy Accounting Supervisor in the Coroner's Office.

While working for the Sheriff's Department, Irene met James ("Jim") Erwin Gwen, an attorney in San Luis Obispo.  After meeting in a local bowling league, they spent their special time together, cooking, traveling, canoeing, and gardening. She also enjoyed her time crocheting, watching westerns on television, and reading cooking magazines.

Throughout the years, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, brought unconditional love and light to her world. No matter what challenges she was forced to face in her life, she overcame them with perseverance and grace. She cared deeply about a range of causes, including Mental Health, Cancer Research, Supporting Veterans, Parkinson’s Research, and Community Safety.

Irene's strength, love, and care radiated in all aspects of her life. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of those she has left behind. Irene will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being received for "Help with Funeral Services", which can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of…

Thank you for your ongoing kindness and support during this difficult time.

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