Irene Basconis Chee

Irene was born on December 8, 1940 in Honolulu to parents Basillio and Cornelia (Cebu).

Irene graduated from McKinley High School, "The Home of the Tigers".

Irene was married for 67 years to George P.F. Chee. She served many years as a devoted ministers wife before his passing in 2010. She was a passionate mother and grandmother. She was called Grams!! She was nurturing, encouraging and supportive. Irene worked hard, sometimes taking on 3 jobs at once being the only one employed in the home. She was a go-getter selling Avon, MaryKay, Tupperware etc... For many years she worked at The Hauula Shopping Center: Dodi's, Wigwam, Pay N Save, Payless.

Irene was talented. She loved sewing, doing crafts, designing favors and centerpieces and was a skillful gift wrapper. Her Love-Language; Gift Giving! She thrived on buying, wrapping and storing Christmas gifts as early as June!

Irene and George could both sing and dance! Musical talent runs deep in their family. They loved traveling with their Ballroom friends dancing the cha cha and waltz on cruise ships and events. They were fluid on the dance floor and Irene loved getting dressed up for Boogie Nights in matching attire.

Irene knew how to have fun! She was a gambler who loved playing late night paiute with the Waianae family and eventually taking trips to the mainland to sit at her favorite slot machines!

Irene loved the community she lived in, Hauula a simple rural town located along the beautiful windward seashore. She once worked as the Hauula elementary school crossing attendant and also drove a large van for Catholic Charities transporting elderly residents to and from the Hauula Senior Center. She supported and helped develop the Ohana, Family of the Living God Church from its inception and its many community outreach programs; serving the homeless, feeding the hungry, visiting prisoners and those in care homes.

Her biggest accomplishment she admits to is providing for and raising her children to be educated and inspiring them to grow and share their skills and talents. But more importantly was raising them up to be faithful Christians believing and proclaiming Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Irene lived a full life of adventure with courage and strength. Beautiful Irene was fearfully and wonderfully made! She was in awe that she lived for 85 years!!

Irene is survived by her loving children: Jorge "Keoki" (Wife Julie/ex-wife Zaadia Manalo), Sadrian Sr. "Pastor Sage" (Wife Darnell/ex-wife Teri Denson), Georene Primacio (Joseph), Zena Sykes (Reverend Bishop Michael) and Adopted Daughter/Great-grand daughter Lejend Chee and

Hanai Son Demont Manaole (Aiko Manaole)

Sister: Saring Tamayoshi Fujii; 20 Grandchildren, 51 Great-Grandchildren, 11 Greatest-Grandchildren.

Visitation: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 9:00am and Services at

10:00am at Kealohi Point Banquet Hall at He'eia State Park in Kaneohe. Express Luncheon to follow.

A brief Burial Service will be held promptly at 1:00pm at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery Atrium in Kaneohe.

Arrangements entrusted to: Ballard Family Mortuary - Honolulu

Okay to send flowers on Monday, March 30th to Kealohi Point Banquet Hall between 9:00am - 12:00 pm.