Irene attended St. Cecilia Grade and High School, Detroit Ml. She continued her studies at the University of Detroit and graduated from Madonna University, Livonia Ml.
She was the second of four children born to John and Norah (Cronin) Harrington, Irish immigrant parents. She worked for the Federal Government for 37 years, the last twenty-two years as Secretary to the Director of Veterans Administration (1960 to 1982), Detroit Regional Office. She always had a great concern for veterans, their health and their rights. Irene lived with her parents whom she cared for and watched over in their final years. She will always be remembered as a loving, faithful, and sacrificing caregiver for her parents.
Upon their deaths, she moved to Livonia where she was active in her parish, St Collette Catholic Church, in the Altar Care Volunteers and the annual parish Catholic Services Appeal campaigns. She was a volunteer at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher home for children. She was a member of the Livonia Friends of the Library, the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Society and Opus Dei.
Irene had a great love for the fine arts. Endowed with a beautiful soprano voice, she sang at many weddings and special affairs. She had a great love for opera and the Detroit Civic Light Opera programs. She majored in art at Madonna University and was a faithful visitor to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Pink was her favorite color and Chanel #5 her fragrance of choice.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Norah Harrington, her brothers, Jack and Tim (Ted), and sister-in-law Margie. Irene leaves behind her brother, Bishop Bernard J. Harrington of Winona MN, sister-in-law Kathleen Harrington of Livonia, MI, ten nieces and nephews: Kathy Lehrter (Troy OH), Colleen Fitzpatrick (West Bloomfield MI), Maureen Sherry (Rochester Hills MI), Kathleen Carney (Caledonia MI), Timothy Harrington (Royal Oak), Mary Pat O'Malley (Livonia MI), Patrick Harrington (Livonia MI), Peggy Shivers (Lake Orion MI), Michael Harrington (Farmington Hills) and Shelagh Gleeson (Royal Oak MI). She is also survived by thirty-eight grand nieces and nephews and nine great grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at the Harry Will Funeral Home, 37000 W Six Mile Rd, Livonia 48152 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on April 15 and half hour before the Mass of the Resurrection at St. Collette Catholic Church on April 16 at 10:00 am at 17600 Newburgh Rd in Livonia. Burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Southfield Ml.
The family wishes to thank the administration and staff of Lourdes Senior Community, both the Nursing Home and the Mendelson Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial gifts be given to: Sacred Heart Major Seminary 2701 Chicago Blvd, Detroit MI 48206, or Lourdes Senior Community 2300 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford MI 48328.
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