When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Irene Margaret Akins who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Irene was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Irene knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.
Irene was born on October 27, 1919 at home in East Liverpool, Ohio. Her parents were Walter Ford and Grace Mac Donald. Irene was raised in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Even as a youngster, Irene learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.
As a young girl, Irene was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Irene was raised with three sisters and two brothers. She had younger sister Imogene, younger brother, Howard, younger brother Tommy, younger sister, Flo and younger sister Dorothy. Irene had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Irene, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.
Irene's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Irene enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In her spare time she loved to read books.
In school, Irene was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Irene was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Irene’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Beaver Falls High, Beaver Falls, PA in 1937. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.
Irene was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Irene was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Irene came to expect her high standards of performance. Later in life, she became friends with Virginia Sikes, Barbara Fye and Daphne Thrasher.
An objective and conscientious individual, Irene reveled in the security of her family. One of Irene’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.
Irene was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Irene would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Irene was blessed with one son, David Akins. She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Kelley and John.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Irene was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Irene was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Irene upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was a homemaker. Irene was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Irene was an U. S. Navy WWII Veteran. Her sense of duty helped lead her into the military where her understanding of rank, her willingness to abide by rules and regulations and her desire to follow orders was admired by her fellow service men and women. She was a Control Tower Operator at NAS Grosse Ile, MI. Irene saw action for two years during WWII. Through her hard work and dedication, she achieved the rank of Sp (Y) 2c.
Irene approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening and crocheting. Irene was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.
Being generous with her time and energy, Irene liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. Throughout her later years, Irene was an active member of the Eastern Star, the Rainbow Girls and American Rose Society.
As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Irene could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Irene; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of her most prestigious awards included Grand Worthy Matron for Eastern Star and the Rainbow Girls.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Irene used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Irene had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Scotland and England.
Irene passed away on January 22, 2012 at Odyssey Hospice, Peoria, AZ. She is survived by her son David, his wife Cathy, granddaughter Kelley, grandson John, brother, Tommy and sisters, Flo and Dorothy. Services were held at Ft Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, TX. Irene was laid to rest in Ft Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, TX.
All who knew her would agree that Irene was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Irene Margaret Akins did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.
Arrangements under the direction of Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center, Sun City, AZ. 623-933-0167
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