Preceded in death by her husband, Morris Klinger; her son, Samuel Robert; her parents, Robert and Mary Gani: her brothers, Jack Gani, Floyd Gani, Faris Gani, and William Gani; her sisters, Mary-Louise Gani, and Bernice Gani. She is survived by her daughter Mary Klinger Martin (Charles Martin), and sister Betty G. Khoury. She will be missed by her daughter, nieces and nephews, and her many cousins.
Irene Klinger was born in Lake Charles, LA. Her parents were immigrants from Madjaroun, Lebanon and she was one of eight children. After High School, she attended McNeese State College where she received a scholarship to study voice under Dr. Francis Bulber. Throughout her lifetime she has been active in multiple organizations and philanthropic work and time had not reduced her commitment to bettering her community.
Irene worked closely with the Orleans Parish Medical Society for more than 40 years. During this time she served as President of the organization and led a lecture campaign through the public school system to educate these students on community safety and the hazards of smoking. She helped raise money for their cause by chairing the annual Golf Tournament and on multiple occasions chaired the Doctor’s Day event which honors Doctor’s practicing medicine for 50 years. Proceeds of all of these events were used for scholarships for students studying medicine.
She has also worked with the American Medical Association Education and Research Foundation, (AMA-ERF) where she helped raise $50,000 for medical research. She served as president of the American Heart Association Heart Ambassadors Society where she founded the “Sweetheart Couples” luncheon which also raised money for medical research. She received the “Outstanding Community Award” for her exceptional efforts.
Her hard work and dedication to enhancing the welfare of her community has resulted in her raising money for research and cure through the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Cancer Crusaders, and the Ladies Leukemia League. Her contributions to the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians were recognized as she served as President of the organization and received the “Wife of the Year” award. She also worked on many committees for the Louisiana State Medical Auxiliary.
Irene also led a fund-raising campaign to support the training of physically challenged and visually impaired adults to adapt to a workplace environment and help them gain more independence as members of the community while she served as a member and past president of the Goodwill Industries Auxiliary Volunteer Services.
Her dedication to children is reflected in her support for their education at various levels. As a life time member and past president of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the New Orleans Power Squadron, she began a program for children that paralleled the public boating safety class offered to adults. Her support for children training in the field of acting was supported by her efforts in securing funds through the Leading Ladies Guild of Jefferson Parish Performing Arts
Her volunteer efforts with DePaul Hospital Auxiliary helped nurture young adults with problems and with St. Elizabeth’s Organization she helped underprivileged children and received the “Outstanding Activist Award” for her work.
Recognizing the demand for psychiatric care in the community, she worked through the Institute of Human Understanding raising funds for free professional care, she served as president and was recognized as one of the “Ten Top Outstanding Volunteers”.
She has received recognition for raising funds and community activities by East Jefferson General Hospital and received the “Great Lady Award” for her work.
Her energies have helped the Salvation Army accomplish their goals in helping communities after natural disasters, supporting Thanksgiving dinners and providing Christmas gifts for those in need.
As a member of Le Petit Theater Guild, she supported their theatrical productions and when she learned of the possibility that the Theater could close, she whole-heartedly supported the activities to save it.
Irene was completely dedicated to making life better for our community and has touched many lives. She was more recently involved with the Southwest Veterans Home in Reserve, Louisiana where she frequently brought refreshments and music to those that have served our country and are now residing at the home.
Irene was also involved in many other organizations that supported her community, retained history and traditions, and preserved the local beauty provided by the gardens and flora unique to the New Orleans area. She served as a board member for the Orleans Parish Garden Society and the Jefferson Parish Arts Society. Served as docent for the Longue Vue House and Gardens, and supported the Jefferson Parish Beautification Institute. She also was a long time member of the New Orleans Opera Guild where she served on all of their committees and played a large role in producing their yearly Opera Ball. She was actively involved in the Overture to the Cultural Season and the Bravo Ballet Association for many years
Her interests also led her to active roles in the New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park Preservation, L’union Francesca, and the English Speaking Union (ESU).
Irene was very involved with the Jefferson Performing Arts Society and served as a Board member and was active on several committees. She also served on the Art Council of the University of New Orleans for 2 years. She was active with the Salvation Army, Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association, St. Paul’s Episcopal Alter Guild, Leading Ladies Guild of Jefferson Performing Arts Society, New Orleans Medical Society, Symphony Volunteers, Inc., Metairie Women Club, East Jefferson General Hospital, and was chosen as a Grand Dame of the New Orleans’ Opera Association-Women’s Guild. Most recently, in 2015, Irene received the Flame of Excellence Award from the St. Elizabeth’s Guild.
Due to the current restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic, private services will be held at St. Paul Episcopal Church.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the New Orleans Opera Guild or the Jefferson Performing Arts Society.
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