Mrs. Irene Patrick

Irene blessed many lives during her 83 years by sharing her many talents and selfless giving. On Thursday, September 16, 2010, Irene joined Joe, her husband, lifetime love and best friend of 51 years, in eternal peace. Born March 8, 1927, in Jackson, California, Irene was the eldest child of Ross Ellsworth and Mabel Irene Kinney. Ross and Mabel were both college graduates, teachers, who also owned and operated their own grape ranch. This rich, rural environment provided Irene with the foundation for creativity and lifelong learning that greatly influenced her life. As a young child, Irene learned to sew and cook and also learned the workings of the ranch. As a child during the Great Depression, Irene's family fared better than most because they were able to grow their own food and make their own clothes. World War II was a defining point in Irene's life.

During Irene's high school years attending Madera High School, she considered becoming a doctor; however, fate had other plans. Irene's friend, Margaret Moore, was writing to her brother, a World War II service man in the Pacific. Margaret's brother asked Irene if she would write to the only other soldier in his troop from California. Irene began corresponding with a young Marine named Joe, and over time the winsome farm girl won the heart of the shy, intelligent soldier. Joe and Irene were in love before they met. They corresponded for several years and Irene's relationship extended to Joe's family even before she met Joe face to face. Joe and Irene called off their romance briefly, after Joe returned from service to attend college. Their flame was reignited by a meeting in Santa Cruz arranged by members of Joe's family. Irene demonstrated her love for Joe by converting to Catholicism and they married on August 28, 1949, two weeks after she was baptized. Irene spent her time as a homemaker during the early part of her marriage. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, and craftsperson, and inspired a love of music, theater and art in her six children. After moving to the mountains from the East Bay in the early '60s, she carted her noisy kids to dozens of performances and games over difficult mountain roads while Joe taught at Sierra High School.

Irene went to college to become a teacher and earned a bachelor's degree followed by a teaching credential from California State University, Fresno, at the age of forty. Irene also took advantage of an opportunity to study for a special credential in Library Science through a partnership between San Jose State and CSU Fresno. She completed these two credentials in 1973. Once the family moved to Fresno, Irene became employed as a teacher and librarian at Kerman High School and subsequently at her alma mater, Madera High School. Irene took cake decorating classes and became proficient enough to design cakes for weddings and other special occasions. She retired from her career as Librarian in 1993, to take care of her ailing mother and husband.

Irene battled Alzheimer's disease and received care at Fresno Guest Home beginning in 2006. During these trying times, Irene received kind, loving care. The family would like to acknowledge Michelle, Florin, Gilda and Sandra, as they are eternally grateful for their special devotion and dedication to Irene.

Irene is survived by her brother, Ross "Vic" Kinney Jr.; and her children, Linda Terry Blanchard, Joseph Patrick III, John Patrick, James Patrick, Jeff Patrick, and Lisa Simpson. Irene is also survived by eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

A Visitation will take place at Stephens and Bean Chapel on Friday, September 24, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary. A Celebration of Irene's life will be held at Stephens and Bean Chapel on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., with a Graveside Service to follow at Belmont Memorial Park.

Remembrances may be made to The National Endowment for Alzheimer's Research (N.E.A.R.) c/o National Headquarters Box 772 Fairfield, Ct. 06824 - e-mail: [email protected]; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research @: http://www.michaeljfox.org

STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL

202 North Teilman Avenue

Fresno, California(559)268-9292