Irene E. La Fay

She was a pleasant, cheerful, quiet, sensitive woman who was also very strong and resilient. Irene always looked at the ‘BRIGHT’ side of life. She was a strong personality and spoke her mind.

Irene Edith Blake was born in London on Saturday May 24, 1924. Her parents were Louise and William Blake. Irene was the only “COCKNEY” in the family because she was born within the sound of the Bow Bells. Irene had one brother, Bill and three sisters, Joyce, Barbara and Daphne. She was the oldest…so much of the responsibility, to take care of her younger siblings, was on her shoulders.

The family moved to South End on Sea, Essex England when she was very young. Her Aunt Edith and Uncle Urn also moved to the area, the families were very close. They were back and forth in each other’s homes regularly. Irene just loved her Aunt Edith and said she was so much fun and full of life.

Irene’s father, William, was a jolly man and had quite a sense of humor and what a laugh! He took very good care of his beautiful wife, Louise and family. William worked for the British Government. After retiring from that position, he was asked, by the British Government, to help in Africa to teach cleanliness to the people in the villages in Nigeria. The people were very sick and dying from dysentery. He would be away for many months at a time. Irene remembered when he would return home, it was like a party. Although, she was a young girl, she would be allowed to stay up past her bedtime as long as she was sitting by the fire, quietly reading the books he would bring home for her. Her parents had friends and family over and her dad would tell stories of his adventures and work. His laugh would fill the room. He returned one time with a puzzle box. Irene had to figure out the puzzle by pushing and pressing pieces of the wooden box to see what was inside. It took her a bit of time, but finally when she opened it …there was a book inside. It was her favorite puzzle to figure out. She just adored her father.

William returned to Nigeria for his work but he unfortunately contracted Black Water Fever and died in 1936. His body could not be returned to England due to the nature of his death. Irene was 12 years old. Her brother Bill was 7 years, Joyce was 5 years and Barbara was 2 years. Irene’s mum had to find work and Irene had to supervise and take care of the family.

Louise was a gentle spirit but was very strong and disciplined. She had a hard life as a child. Louise’s mother separated when she was young. She and her sister had to live with her father’s sister. Her aunt was not a nice lady and both Louise and Edith became the “CINDERELLA’S” of that family. After the death of Lousie’s husband, William, Uncle Urn and Aunt Edie were always there for Irene and the children. Irene had to get the children ready in the mornings, feed them breakfast and walk them to school. She was the caretaker for her sister Barbara during the day. Irene would pick her siblings up from school and walk home with them. She also told them bedtime stories. Because she was an avid adventure and mystery book reader, she would make up bedtime stories by combining the different stories she read. I believe she was the one who invented the “CLIFF HANGER”. She would tell a story and end it with, to be continued… Irene’s mother Louise worked hard cleaning houses. When she returned home from work every day, she would cook the dinner and get the bath ready in the scullery for the children.

Irene found work at a liquor store. She had to give her Mum her wages every week. Louise would give her back 2 pence to spend. Irene would save her money to purchase material and thread to sew her own clothes. She loved sewing and designing her own clothing. She also went to the movies with her friends. Veronica (Dolly) was her best friend. She just loved her and talked about Dolly all the time. Irene didn’t need to have many close friends. One was good enough. Someone she could confide in and they would always be there for each other.

World War II started and Irene’s younger siblings were shipped off to the country area of England for protection. Irene was older and she found work near London in a clothing factory. The evening before she was to travel there, the factory was bombed and all the people there were killed. So she asked permission to join the Army. Her mum agreed. Irene had to take an IQ test and she just loved it. It was a test of ‘puzzles’. She flew through the test and when the proctor noticed she finished so quickly, he was amazed. He took her test and graded it. Irene scored 99%. The proctor could not give her 100% because, he said, “No one can receive or has ever received 100%.

Irene was told she would be part of the OFC, or Operation Fire Control. She thought that meant putting out fires on ships near her coastal resort town of Southend, right outside of London. That is when her commanding officer showed r the complicated electronic radar equipment with receivers and transmitters. She was one of the first to be trained in the new invention called, RADAR. Her job was to pick up German planes (Buzz Bombs), send their coordinates to predictors who then sent the locations to the gunners so they can shoot them down. She served her country for four years as part of a two person team, one working the receiver and one working the transmitter. She also had to learn how to build and pull apart a diesel engine because if the engine stopped working she would have to fix it. Irene also instructed others at different military bases along the coast of England regarding this new RADAR. Her work during those years earned her two medals, which were a 1939 “The Defense Medal” and a 1939-1945 World War II Victory Medal.

She talked about one particularly long night. She worked a 72 hour shift during which time she had helped shoot down seven planes. It was the following evening when Irene and a few Army girlfriends decided to see a movie. They visited the Canteen for a cup of tea and biscuits while waiting for the movie house to open. This was a restricted area for “ENGLISH ARMY ONLY”. Inside the canteen, sitting in the corner were a group of Air Corp YANKS. When Irene stood up and walked over to pick up the tray for all the girls…one Yank stepped up and asked if he could help by carrying the tray to their table. That Army Aircorp Yank was Paul La Fiosca. That was the beginning of a Love relationship that continued for 64 years.

Irene and Paul were quite the item. Paul would make dates with Irene and his army buddies would take her out…Why you ask???? Many times because he was called up for duty, so his buddies who didn’t have orders would keep his date with her…sometimes Paul would be on KP duty…due to something he did…

The war was winding down. VE Day was May 8th and Paul was being shipped home to the states. Irene and Paul were married on May 19, 1945, a few days before Paul had to leave England. Their life would be on hold until she was dismissed from her position and Paul could make enough money to send for her.

Little did this young couple know that Irene was pregnant. In the month of February, 1945, Irene gave birth her first child. A few days later the baby died.

Paul worked very hard and saved enough money to send for his war bride. May of 1946, Irene was on a ship to America. She left her mum, brother, sisters, Aunts and Uncles for a life in America with her new husband.

Irene’s family in England was a quiet, typically proper English family. She didn’t know what was in store for her as she was moving into a LOUD, EMOTIONAL, ENERGETIC, ITALIAN FAMILY…. What a ride of a lifetime she had before her…and so much LOVE AND ADORATION TOO. When she arrived, to the prominently Italian neighborhood, everyone wanted to meet this girl. After all, Paul married a ‘WHITE GIRL’. (This was still an era where ethnic people lived and married their own kind.)

Irene lived with her In-laws including her sister-in-laws for 4 years on 30th Street, near Broadway in Astoria, New York. There she learned all the Italian homemade family recipes. She became very close to her new family and went out dancing, to the movies and so much more. Toby (Paul’s father) just loved her and she said, “He was a gentle and wonderful man”.

Irene became pregnant and had twins on November 7, 1946. A daughter and son were born premature. Although the girl was the larger of the two, she did not survive. Irene’s son William Paul La Fiosca survived. They were still living with Paul’s parents at the time. Irene wanted a home of their own, so in 1950 they purchased their first home in Jackson Heights. 24-31 92nd Street. What a wonderful home for a new family. Irene had many parties and family gatherings there. On May 7, 1952, she had a daughter, Linda Marie La Fiosca and on December 6, 1953 she had her third daughter Toni Paula La Fiosca.

Paul and his father Anthony were in business together. The business was doing very well. In 1959 Irene and Paul saved enough money to visit family in England. It had been many years since Irene had seen her family. Irene and the children boarded the U.S.S. United States ship to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to England. We spent the entire summer in England. Paul would fly to meet up with them for 2-3 weeks, as he could not be gone from his company for more than that.

1960 Irene and Paul purchased their DREAM HOME. 23 Old Knollwood Road, White Plains, New York 10607. It was and is still a large colonial style home up on a hill surrounded by green grass, trees/woods. This is where all the family would gather for summer weekends. Splashing in the pool, b-b-ques in the summer, sleepovers, Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners, New Year’s Eve Parties, Easter Dinner and so much more. Irene was the Hostess of the Mostest. She would prepare all the food and when all the sisters would arrive, along with Grandma Astoria, they would all be in the kitchen laughing, singing, preparing, cooking, drinking, talking, excited and happy. Irene was always joyful and just loved being in the kitchen creating her masterpiece meals.

Irene’s mother visited many time during summer months through the years. Her brother Bill, and sisters Joyce and Barbara also visited. They toured around New York and joined Irene and Paul on cruises. When they moved to California, Irene’s family continued visiting when they were able.

Irene always planned vacations. Family vacations to Upstate New York, New England, Virginia, New Jersey Shore, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Long Island Beach, and so many other wonderful places. Many times we would visit Aunt Marie and Uncle Joy in South Jersey and all the family would show up to Mays Landing.

Irene kept herself very busy with her children and her house. She sewed new outfits for us. Driving us to and from our friend’s homes, tennis lessons, Girl Scouts, and helping in the classrooms. She would drop us off at our summer activities and even take us to Rye Beach. During the winter, Irene would help shovel snow and play with her children…building snowmen. She was so involved with other volunteer groups, like Ladies of Charity, The Columbiettes, she also volunteered at the Lighthouse in White Plains.

Through the years, Irene made a few close friends. She was not one to have a big gang of friends, but the friends she did make were very special to her.

Her closest friend was Phyl Denis. Paul shared a close relationship with Phyl’s husband, Ed. They were both members of The Knights of Columbus what fun they had. There were many dances through the years where they would be all dolled up for the dinner and dance. Irene and Phyl seemed to be inseparable. She taught Phyl how to sew along with another close friend Dot. The three couples joined a bowling league and once a week they would hang out together at the house for coffee and cake after winning or losing. She just loved entertaining.

Irene’s children and Grandchildren

Bill graduated from Manhattan College. He obtained a job in Detroit, so off he went to Michigan. He left Motorola and took a job with G.E. He moved to Virginia where he met and married his wife, Susan. He was married and later moved to Georgia. They have two children Jeffrey and Christopher. Through the years, Irene and Paul visited Bill and his family for Easter and Thanksgiving. They took Jeffrey on vacation to Florida one year.

Linda worked for Allied International and went for a transfer to their California office. There she met her husband, Bob. They have two children Ryan and Brett. Ryan and Brett would spend time during the summer to go swimming. In later years, Ryan visited his grandparents in La Verne.

Toni worked for Technicon Corporation and was transferred to their California facility. There she met her husband, Scott. They have two children Timothy and Daniel.

Irene and Paul sold their lovely family home in White Plains and moved to Hacienda Heights, California in 1983 to be closer to their girls. Irene kept herself busy by joining a woman’s group at the senior center. They would collect dolls and Irene repairs the dolls. Most of the time the dolls needed new clothes to be sewn or many times she would crochet or knit doll clothes for them. These dolls would be then collected for the Battered Women Shelters. Many moms needed a place of safety with their children. So these dolls would be given to the children.

Irene and Paul traveled extensively together, always whisking away on cruises or jet setting around the world. They went to England to visit her sisters and then off to France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Africa, Portugal, cruised through the Mediterranean, to Alaska, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Australia. They visited Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, and once a year around New Year’s they would meet up with friends at Mazatlan.

Irene enjoyed many outings such as the Tea House in Pasadena where she joined Charlotte, Joette and her daughter Toni, for a ‘Very Proper British High Tea’. There were many other outings she enjoyed with her children.

When Irene and Paul couldn’t drive long distances anymore, they took many local trips with their daughter, Toni and her husband Scott. They drove to Laughlin, Las Vegas, Indian Casino’s, and San Diego. They took day trips to Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Dana Point, Redondo Beach and Santa Monica.

Irene’s grandsons, Timothy, Daniel and Ryan would pick them up for dinner and drive them home. Many times over the weekends they would sleep over at their daughter Toni’s house. They would sleep over Thanksgiving weekends and Christmas Eve holiday time too.

Irene’s husband Paul passed away on October 8, 2009. She moved in with her daughter Toni. Although she loved living there, she was determined to be independent and wanted to move into her own apartment. So, January of 2010, Irene moved to Inland Christian Home’s Independent Living Apartments in Ontario. There she participated in many activities such as the exercises at 9:30 a.m. and then crafts or hymn singing. There were outings she participated in and she made many friends. She loved cooking in her small kitchen and invited us over for tea.

Her daughter Toni and Scott took Irene out for drives and dinners regularly. Toni and her friend Brenda would pick her up and go on outings to the beach, Seaport Village in San Diego, the local casinos, luncheons, shopping at Steinmart, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Glen Oak (during the apple fest), Malls, Old Temecula, and many more sites. While out and about Irene always wanted to look her best. She would be sure to have her nails done and was always interested in the latest fashions. Of course, while in Wal-Mart or really anywhere, she would never miss an opportunity to stop and talk to a child, even if it meant holding up the child’s family from doing their shopping.

Irene looked forward spending time with her family. She enjoyed helping in the kitchen at Toni’s house preparing dinner, especially when they were making homemade ravioli’s and Easter Pies.

Irene loved when her grandsons, Timothy and Daniel decorated her apartment at Christmas; they would bring over picnics and spend afternoons with her; Timothy and Daniel took her out on “dates”. Irene loved going to the Olive Garden with them. She felt like a queen walking in with two young men on her arm, escorting her.

Irene woke up on January 18, 2011 with heart failure and was rushed to the hospital. That evening she had a pacemaker implanted. On January 24, 2011 she was taken to the Foothill Rehab Nursing Center in Glendora. Toni called Irene’s sister Barbara in England. Barbara flew out with her daughter Janet for three weeks. Irene’s son also flew out from Atlanta for 2 weeks. We spent every day and through the evening with Irene. Brenda, Toni’s dear friend, who was a CNA for many years, spent every day with Irene and the family. She made sure Irene was cared for in such a way that a family member would not know how to do. The doctors told Toni to put Irene on Hospice because she only had 6 months to live. We transferred her to Inland Christian Skilled Nursing Home in Ontario. Irene needed another Thorentesis and Hospice would not do it. Toni took her off Hospice and sent her to the hospital. There the procedure was done. After which she returned to Inland Christian Skilled Nursing and had Rehabilitation. She made such progress that they released her at the end of March to the Assisted Living section. There she lived very happily, participating in all the activities as before. Christmas of 2011 Irene’s son in law and Jedidiah Durgin, Brenda’s son, escorted her to a special Christmas dinner. She had her flower corsage on and was beaming from ear to ear.

Irene Edith La Fay (Blake) left this earthly world with a wonderful sense of peace and fulfillment. Before she traveled with the Holy Spirit to her Home, she did spend time with her son Bill, her daughter Linda, and her last hours with her daughter Toni, son in law, Scott and her dear friend, who became her “other daughter”, Brenda.

Irene Edith La Fay (Blake)

May God Bless and Keep You,

May His Face Shine Upon You.

And Give You Peace.

Irene’s Favorites:

Color: Blue

Food: Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

Singer: Frank Sinatra

House: White Plains

Country: England

Activity: Knitting, Sewing, Reading

Vacation: England

Pet: Misha

Friends: Phyl, Joyce,

Loved: Her Husband, Children, Grandchildren, Life – to dance – and would go nowhere without her handbag and a tissue.