Irene was born in Sevierville, Tennessee to F. Clay McMahan and Mattie Rolen. She was 1 of 5 children; brothers Oris, James, Doyle and Fred, all predeceased her. Irene was also preceded in death by her son Ron; former husband and friend, Julius “Bud” Conti. She is survived by her son Rob Conti (Jeanie), and two grandchildren Christian and Michael Conti.
Irene was driven and passionate about experiencing life. She left Tennessee to work at the Pentagon in DC, then to Cocoa Beach to support the Original 7 Astronauts office at a very exciting time. It was Astronaut Gus Grissom of the Mercury and Apollo programs who introduced her to Air Force pilot, Col. Bud Conti. Bud would become her husband, and father to her two children Ron and Rob Conti.
Supporting her husband and family, Irene moved to over 10 different states across the country and in 1983 when her son, Rob, said he wanted to work at Disney World, Irene moved with him to Orlando, FL. She retired from Martin Marietta and remained in Orlando until 2019 when she joined Rob and his wife, Jeanie in Sarasota, FL until her passing.
Caring for others is what truly gave Irene her sense of purpose. She was an active church member, loved the Lord, and served her community by volunteering for numerous organizations and assisting her friends, family, and neighbors with any of their needs. She was even affectionately given the “Mother Theresa” award by community members.
Her grandsons were her world and being their Nana was her biggest blessing. She never missed an opportunity to care for them, never missed a game, and even in her final moments bragged about how wonderful they are. In general, family was very important to Irene, she served her family continuously and lovingly for her entire life. When her son Ron fought cancer in 2017, she was by his side for every minute. Irene maintained almost daily contact with her family both nuclear, former, and extended. Her nieces, Lois and Linda; her daughter-in-law, Jeanie; and her former daughter-in-law, Melissa, were all like daughters to her.
Although Irene struggled with health issues most of her life, she was always fashionably dressed and very well finished. After moving to Sarasota, she spent weekends with her son, Rob, and his wife, Jeanie; it was in their home, surrounded by family where she passed. She made a positive impact on those who knew her, and she will be terribly missed. Godspeed Mom, we love you!
A viewing for family and friends for Irene will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Conti family.
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