Irene Jones-Madrid

Born on Christmas Day in 1923 and raised in Los Angeles, Irene lived a long and beautiful life centered around faith, family, friendship, and caring for others. She carried herself with grace, warmth, humor, and quiet strength, and had a special way of making people feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for wherever she went.

Irene worked for many years as a hairstylist, a profession that perfectly suited her love of beauty, conversation, and connection. She enjoyed getting dressed up, looking glamorous, and helping others feel good about themselves. After retirement, her deep Catholic faith remained at the center of her life as she became a devoted Eucharistic Minister at the San Gabriel Mission. She loved attending church, fellowshipping with the priests, spending time with friends, and especially going to brunch afterward at Birdy’s Restaurant — one of her favorite Sunday traditions.

She was a loving and devoted daughter to her parents, Theodore and Carmel Jones, and lovingly cared for her mother until Carmel passed away at the age of 101. Irene often shared stories about growing up during the Great Depression and remembered how her mother would feed men who were out of work during difficult times. That same spirit of kindness and generosity remained with Irene throughout her entire life. She also cared deeply for veterans, especially because of her love for her brother Bill and the sacrifices made by those who served their country.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Theodore Jones Jr., lovingly known as Bill, a Korean War veteran, and Pauline Jones-Sanders; her beloved granddaughter, Danae Palermo; and her great-grandson, Eryn McKiernan.

Irene is survived by her loving daughter, Marlene Palermo; her granddaughters, Rochelle Palermo and Rena Santoro; and her great-grandchildren, Ellis McKiernan and Rachel McKiernan.

One of Irene’s greatest joys was caring for others. The neighborhood children were always welcome in her home, where she made coffee and toast with jelly, quesadillas, snacks, and often dinner. To many of them, her home felt like a safe and loving place to be. She especially loved helping the children dress up in ties and their Sunday best to accompany her to church. One of her greatest joys in recent years was spending time with her adorable great great-granddaughter, Ella McKiernan, who always made her laugh and smile.

Irene also loved watercolor painting, gardening, watching Dodgers games, and driving around Los Angeles in her Ford Mustang. She was a true California woman at heart and enjoyed the beaches and ocean. One of the most meaningful experiences of her life was a trip to Israel, which reflected both her deep faith and adventurous spirit. She found joy in life’s simple comforts — beans, enchiladas, oranges, anything chocolate, and especially her favorite Häagen-Dazs dark chocolate ice cream bars at night.

More than anything, Irene will be remembered for her ladylike demeanor, kindness, generosity, faith, and the way she made people feel loved and cared for. Her door was always open, and she lovingly insisted on waving goodbye from her porch as guests departed — even at the age of 102. Her heart remained just as open.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that her life touched so many people across generations. Her devotion, love, and faith in the Lord deeply influenced her family, who credit her with instilling in them strong values, compassion, and love for others.

A graveside service will be held on June 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. under the care of Live Oak Mortuary in Monrovia.