Irene Emily LaMacchia

Irene was born on March 8,1941, to Agostino and Jennie Radavero of the Soledad Mission District. Irene loved the farming community of the Mission District where she grew up watching families support each other with kindness. Irene was proud to be a first generation Swiss Italian and was an active member of the local Swiss heritage club, the Tichinella

Irene was a graduate of Gonzales High School where she was an outstanding student and very involved in extra curricular activities from FFA to leadership. Irene loved her classmates at Gonzales High and was the class reunion chairman for many years. Irene attended San Jose State University where she obtained her teaching degree.

In 1964, Irene married Frank LaMacchia. Irene always felt that Frank was her greatest gift from God. Together they raised their 3 children on the ranch they cherished in the Gabilan Mountains. They were married for 47 years and the devotion they showed each other has been admired by many. The saddest day in Irene’s life was November 2, 2011, the day Frank passed away. He was her soul mate, her purpose and the love of her life.

Irene’s personality shined brightest in her kitchen as she was an outstanding cook, baker and entertainer. Irene was in her glory when friends and family were at her kitchen table. Her coffee pot was always percolating and her cookie tin was usually full. Her Christmas cookie trays were legendary but what recipients didn’t see were several dozen Tupperware containers of cookies in the attic awaiting their lucky recipients. She got a lot of steps in running up and down the stairs prepping her plates. Frank never had to worry about finding help for a branding or preg check because people knew if they volunteered, they were guaranteed one of Irene’s first class meals. When the local 4-H offered sugar beets as a project, she had each of her kids participate solely because she could get the sugar for free at the end of the growing season.

Irene loved connecting with people. There was a constant revolving door with neighbors, hay customers and hunters who were all warmly welcomed to her table. She looked forward to opening her kitchen to the Gonzales Young Farmers when they held their annual equipment auction and hosting the barbecue after the Community Fair. Irene enjoyed those days where we had to grab a few extra chairs and add some leaves to the table because her kitchen was packed with friends and family.

Irene was a devout Catholic so it is fitting she passed away on Ash Wednesday. Irene loved the community of Saint Theodore's Catholic Church. She was very active with the Alter Society and spent endless hours decorating the church based on the season, serving as the committee chairman for the salad bar as well as a helping with Lenten dinners and harvest festival.

Although Irene only used her teaching credential for a short time, she combined her love of kids and education by volunteering. She was the Gonzales 4-H community leader for nine years. At one point, Gonzales 4-H had 120 members and she led multiple projects from cooking to cat care. Her “vacations” were spent at King City and Monterey County Fairs supporting her kids while they showed livestock. She was a great sport the year she chaperoned Monterey County 4-H kids in the horse stall dorms at Cow Palace. That was a one time event because even Irene had limits! She insisted on a hotel room after that fun little experience. Irene was a tour guide for Monterey County Farm Day as well as a highly respected home preservation judge at all the local fairs

Irene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in January of 2014. She was fortunate to reside at the ranch with the help of several wonderful caregivers until June 2018. For the past 2 1/2 years, Irene was a resident of Ada’s Lodges where she was loved and cared for by the very kindest people imaginable. There is no way to thank the individuals who showed compassion and love towards Irene since her diagnosis 7 years ago.

Irene is survived by her children Lori (Tom) Madden of Paso Robles; Pete (Trisha) LaMacchia of Lockwood; Lisa (Mark) Wright of Hollister; grandkids, Maggie and Jacob Madden, August, Autumn and Laci Jo LaMacchia and Taryn and Trevor Wright. Significantly, Irene is also survived by her best friend, constant companion and sister, Erma Franscioni of Soledad Mission District

Additionally, Irene is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. There are no services planned at this time due to covid. In lieu of flowers, please have a mass said in Irene’s honor or spend some time baking with or for those you love.

Memorials can be sent to the following organizations in Irene’s memory: Soledad Mission, P.O. Box 515, Soledad, CA 93960; Monterey County Ag Education, P.O. Box 7461, Spreckles, CA 93962; Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601