Irene Catherine Baker

Irene Catherine Baker, 96 of Phoenix passed away on November 9, 2014. Irene was born on December 16, 1917 in Rockwell City, Iowa. Irene attended Lostant High School in Illinois. Upon graduation she studied nursing at Methodist Hospital and Loyola University, both in Chicago. While in school, Irene joined the American Red Cross Nurses, then joined the Naval Corps of Nurses in 1943. She trained in San Diego before serving in Hawaii. After a brief return to the States, Irene was recalled into service, this time in Japan. Irene had served in the Navy for a total of nine years when she left in 1952 as a Lieutenant. Irene then settled in the Phoenix area and worked for the Maricopa County Health Department and was the supervisor of Home Care Nursing when she retired in 1980. After retirement Irene traveled extensively with her lifetime partner, Walter Ware. Together they took cruises Alaska, Hawaii, the Middle East and many other places. They also traveled around the US and Mexico in their RV. Irene is preceded in death by her partner Walter Ware, her parents and siblings. She is survived by her son Glenn Pottz and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Rd. Phoenix. Services will follow at The Chapel at 11:00.