Mom, I really miss the good times that we had.  I hope that you're at peace and all of the family that went before you was there to greet you with open arms.

Love, Colleen

Several years ago for Christmas, Irene gave me a gift of three porcelain angel ornaments.  Those angels have always had a place of honor on my fireplace mantel.  This year when I put them on display, they will hold even more meaning for me.  It will be like Irene is looking down on me.

I worked with Irene at the Jail for 21 years.  We shared lots of laughs, some challenging times, and even some tears.  I especially remember the fun we had the night we spent at the new jail before it opened.  Irene was a loyal friend to me and I will miss her.

Kay Donder

My grandmother Mary Ellen Blair Terrell, was Irene’s grandfather Tandy Blair’s sister. Mary  Ellen loved to visit Tandy’s farm at Benewah Valley, Idaho bringing her grandchildren with her.  There Tandy raised cabbage, carrots, potatoes, watermelons, onion, green and wax beans, with many other fruits and vegetables.  Many times May was there visiting at the farm with her two daughters Irene and Cathy.  Irene, being the eldest always had the responsibility of watching us younger children.  Uncle Tandy would select the biggest and best watermelon for Irene to sample first.  Irene loved that honor and then Tandy would ask for her approval.  If she liked it, he would give her the knife for her to cut pieces of the watermelon for the others.  Irene often wore a red dress or kerchief around her neck, using the kerchief to clean us after the treats.   

Years slipped away and suddenly Irene was grown, working at the bank and it was time for my family to attend her beautiful wedding.  Irene became Cinderella to me as her dress was flowing white with yards of material.  At the reception, the wedding cake was magnificent.  It was the tallest cake, this 12 year old had ever seen.  I vowed right there that someday my wedding cake would be tall like this one.  We enjoyed visiting the newlyweds in Spokane as they lived close to Grandma Painter.  Irene was a wonderful hostess often serving us popcorn and ice tea.  As I grew older, Irene always inquired about my education and career.  Years passed and she was so proud to share her daughter’s pursuit of education and a career.  Irene always took time to visit and enjoy her family.  Her telephone visits will be missed but I know she is in heaven watching us just like the old days at her Grandpa’s farm.
   May the light of her memories live forever just like this candle.

A special moment happened to me because of Irene.  As an eleven year old, Irene told me she gave me a very special birthday gift that year.  Her daughter Colleen was born on my birthday.  Knowing that I had this special tie with Irene and Colleen was a gift that will always be cherished.  Irene and my mother often shared letters about their birthday daughters.  The two cousins shared their visions and dreams for their children including Irene's wish for her daughter to graduate from a well-known university and obtain an established career.  Irene loved holidays.  One of the reasons for loving the holidays was her own birthday was only one day before Valentine's Day.  Irene often wore red in honor of that day.  Having her own daughter close to Mother's Day was another special reason to love celebrating holidays.  

Irene showed math skill at a young age.  Irene often said it was a gift from her Grandma Mattie Warwick Blair.  Irene took math and secretarial training during high school and was selected to work at a bank immediately following schooling.  Irene stressed to all us cousins how important education and training was to our careers.  Irene's accounting skills were evident as she often stressed savings.  No matter how small your income might be, Irene said, "you have to save some each month."  She always showed  a strong work ethic which made her mother May and her Uncle Earl proud.  Growing up, we would often stop to visit May.  It was a treat when Irene or Cathy would also stop by so we could visit and catch up with the family.   Irene's home was filled with love and items that showed her hobbies.  Providing a home and security for Colleen was Irene's ultimate goal.  The angels that Irene collected are a symbol that she will always be watching over her loved ones.

I only knew Irene for about 4 years when I came to Spokane and transfered in to her Beta Sigma Phi Chapter, Laureate Gamma Beta. She was wonderful to talk to and she had a passion for the Spokane Chiefs our local hockey team. She was very generous and shared several tickets with me when she could not attend a game. 
I am pleased to have been a sorority sister to Irene. She will be missed.

Rest in peace friend.

Where do I begin Irene?  You had NO idea the impact you had on my life.  I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working with you at the jail.  You helped a young mother who was working full time have better and brighter days.  I can't thank you enough for the heart to heart talks we had that I believe most people didn't even know we shared.  I will never forget those talks or what a great woman you were.

Growing up years we 8 first cousins had fun times at Grandma & Grandpa's in the Benewa especially holidays. Christmas was always at Aunt Thelma's and lots of fun. I am sure Irene enjoyed these times. The candle is in rememberance to Irene.

Our sister Irene was a vital part of our chapter for many years.  This past year due to health issues, she was unable to attend monthly meetings or activities.  Several times I took her to doctor appointments and enjoyed visiting with her.  After each appointment she would ask me to stop by either Zips or Dick's Drive-In to pick up two milkshakes - one for dinner and the other to put in the freezer for a later time.  According to Irene Dick's and Zip's have the best milkshakes because they use real ice cream.

Our chapter will definitely miss Irene. With all the pain she experienced this past year we know she is finally at peace and in God's hands.
She will be missed!

Charlene Graham
Beta Sigma Phi Sister

8-18-11
I worked with Irene at the Jail for about 18 years.  We always talked about the lucky ones who got to retire, and finally that day came for Irene.  We decided to give her a send off she would not soon forget.  The Captain, the Admin Lt, and 4 or 5 of us came in at some ungodly hour to blow up 100's of helium balloons.  We tied colorful ribbons onto them and let them go up and they literally covered the ceiling.  What a wonderful, beautiful maze that made.  You had to wind your way thru the strings to get to Irene's desk.  We had signs, confetti, presents, food, more balloons, just generally a wild, very messy wonderful send off for a lady we enjoyed working with  very much and wished her well on her retirement!  We had a lookout posted outside to let us know when she drove up and when to hide.  We turned out the lights so she couldn't see all those balloons hanging from the ceiling.  I will never ever forget the look on her face when she came around the corner and saw the pandemonium in the office!  She had a great time all day, so did we.  We celebrated with her then and we celebrate her now.  Go with love and abandon Irene, and may your journey be full of beauty and surprise.  God Speed.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Irene lived across the street from me when I was growing up on 2nd. ave. in Spokane.  Our houses are no longer there but our memories are.  God Bless you all at this most difficult time.

Irene took me to my first and only NHL game in Vancouver, BC.  She showed me the town, got us to the game by monirail and found out how good coke and MT Volka was.   It was a treat she gave me that I will not forget.

OBITUARY

Irene M. (Stanczak) McDonald

February 13, 1939 – August 15, 2011

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