Irene influenced many lives. She had the uncanny ability to see the soul of an individual and understand that person's capability. She elevated many people through their careers and their beliefs in themselves.
(OK folks, your comments concerning how Irene impacted your life would be appreciated here.)
I remember Irene as kind, sweet, fun, generous and to top it all off she had the most dazzling smile and a wonderful laugh. I remember how excited she would get when she played a dice game called 1-4-24 that she learned how to play on the tall ship Mandalay.
ReplyDeleteI also remember taking refuge at Steve and Irene's house (in Ohio) for a few days while I was dealing with a severely broken heart. It was in the fall and I sat in her garden which magically had some kind of healing quality to it. It must have been all the love that went into it. Through Irene's serenity and kind words she gave me the strength to keep going. I went home and started the journey of healing my broken heart. I will always be indebted to her for that. She touched more lives that she will ever know.
Valerie
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
How I loved hanging out at the house in Ohio - sitting in the garden, drinking a beer, chasing Linus when he toured the neighborhood, and having fun with friends from Diamond. It was a home away from home filled with lots of love and laughter! Irene AND Steve always made everyone feel right at home - good friends that we are better for having them in our lives!
ReplyDeleteI first met Irene when she came to work at DHS a few years back and although it was only a short time I became very attached to her. Her smile every day was so bright and genuine. She seemed to never have a bad day and she inspired me to lighten up alot! After the diagnosis, I was in awe of her fight, her kindness to everyone and her happiness. When I met Steve for the first time I was truly amazed by their love for each other and the way they made me feel like I had known them my entire life! Always so kind, loving and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAt work it was always so fun to chat and share stories with Irene and if she succeeded in one of our many challenges on our computer system you would hear a small applause that she was giving herself arise from her cubicle which always made us laugh!
My only regret is that I didn't get to know her sooner! I am truly a better person today because of Irene and Steve both!
When I think of Irene I will always remember her face. When she smiled it was radiant like a light bulb going on...her beautiful smile. Our pathways always seemed to cross and even when time had escaped us, it always felt like there was no time in between--just like yesterday,a continuing. Her love of gardening extended to helping me with "Art in the Garden" as a committee member with this fundraiser. I don't think there is anyone who could laugh and smile like her...she made me feel like I was the most important person in her life. She even said to me when I visited her a few days before her passing "oh my favorite person is here", well I think everyone who knew her was her favorite because she would touch your heart like that. And Irene thanks for the sips of scotch that morning--gadz, I told her I couldn't because I had to get to work, but oh she insisted and laughed when I did. I will miss her.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories of many of Irene is our time of yard saleing. We would get up early in the morning on Fridays or Saturdays and meet, and the first thing she would say is " this is crazy", because it was usually still dark out when we left
ReplyDeletethe house.
We would find some treasures and convince each other to buy things and later we would ask ourselves " why did we buy that?". We would go to our favorite restaurant,The Train Depot, after our yard sales for breakfast. The waitresses got to know us and they would ask to see some of our treasures. I can remember sitting there and laughing and joking and having a wonderful time with Irene. There are so many other enjoyable times like learning to do beadwork and stained glass. What ever we did together she would always make it a fun time.
She was a very loving and caring person. Irene will always be in my heart, she will not be forgotten.
Posted by 19 Turkeys for Ettie Dean
Remembering Irene
ReplyDeleteOh Irene I will always remember you. I am so thankful I came to see you at lunch time that day. It turned out to be the last time I saw you. The way you held my hand, the look in your eyes (so happy to see me), & especially the soft kiss you gave me on my cheek.
It was a short visit, as we said good by (we used that word) I realized that sounded to final so I said no not good by, see you later. You shook you head in agreement. You & Steve had given Shirley a large cactus, as her & Steve were loading it in the car you called out the door, see you later.
I feel blessed & cheated: Cheated because we didn't get a chance to see where our friendship would have taken us. We did know we had a lot in common we both liked arts, crafts, & gardening. I was hoping you could show me something about stain glass work.
Blessed because I did get to meet you & know you if only for a while. I met you when you first went to work @ the Cave Junction office. Than you went to Medford's DSO. I knew you were there but it wasn't till you came to the Grants Pass SPD that we really got to know each other. However you got diagnosed so soon after you came to the Grants Pass office. I didn't push for a more private friendship, just spent time w/you at work.
You have been such a inspiration to so many. The positive attitude you held through all of the treatments. The compassion & dedication to your work through it all, no words can describe what a role model.
The only words of frustration ever heard from your lips were Holly Buckets & that was mostly because the computers weren't doing what they should or what you wanted them to. I find I use the phrase Holly Buckets & when I do I think of you.
Any one who had met you will remember you when they hear the word Grand. You have made my life Grand for knowing you. Holly Buckets I will miss you, Irene!