Irene Myrtle Chase

Irene Chase (age 102) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 6, 2026 at her home. Irene lived an extraordinary life and was a true testament of endurance, humor, and love. She will be remembered for her active mind, generous heart, and unwavering positive attitude.

She was born in Port Wing, Wisconsin to Esther and Fritz Carlson on April 10, 1923. The family moved to Colorado four years later where they lived on a farm in the Cherry Creek basin near Parker. When the Cherry Creek Dam was built, they moved to Kiowa where Irene spent her high school years. She graduated from Kiowa High School with eleven classmates in 1940. Irene went on to attend business school in Denver and lived at the St. Rose Residence for Women. She married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Chase, in 1946 after his return from military service. They eventually bought their forever home on Joliet Street in 1955 where they raised three daughters and Irene lived for 61 years. Irene felt she was an honorary Colorado Native having lived in Colorado for 99 years, 78 of them in Aurora.

Irene was an active member of her community. As a stay-at-home mother, she was active in her daughter’s lives; volunteering for Girl Scouts, school parties, field trips, and in the high school attendance office. She assisted her husband with the family-owned Hatch’s Hallmark Store and later worked in a card shop at Buckingham Square for many years. Irene was an avid volunteer at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church and the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry.

Irene’s family is her legacy. She lives on through her daughters Diane Dotson, Donna Singer, and Sherry Meschko, granddaughter Rosemary and husband Kenny, grandson Paul and his children Angelica and Paul Jr., granddaughter Jamie and husband Jake, granddaughter Tera, and her boyfriend Pierre. She is also survived by three generations of extended family on both sides. In death she has been reunited with her husband Clarence, her parents, siblings and countless friends and family.

Irene exuded kindness, enthusiasm, and a zest for life. She was an inspiration and friend to all, especially at her senior residence for the past ten years. She was a huge Denver Nuggets fan who also loved bowling, bridge, pinochle and all types of word games. Irene would say her secret to a long life was exercise, but her family would say it was her healthy appetite for food, laughter, and great conversation. She always had a smile on her face, something witty to say, and a way of making everyone she met feel special. Irene will be dearly missed and her spirit will inspire all of us for decades to come.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the organizations closest to her heart: the Aurora Singers or Burns Memorial United Methodist Church, noting “In Memory of Irene Chase”.

Irene will be celebrated at the following locations:

Viewing: Olinger Cemetery – Chapel Hill, 6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121 at 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Memorial Service: Burns Memorial United Methodist Church, 1095 Newark St, Aurora, CO 80010 at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Graveside Service: Olinger Cemetery – Chapel Hill, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121 at 3:00 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026.