Irene lived most of her adult life in Monterey Park. She worked for many years as a social worker with the county of Los Angeles.
Before and after retirement she was active in Monterey Park. During the mid-1950s she was one of the founding officers of the Friends of the Library of Monterey Park.

She helped to see that the new library was built in 1959 and the later additions in 1980 and 2006. Before her health faded, she chaired the Friends Hospitality Committee and helped greet people at the Friends' programs in the library.

She also helped with the Library Foundation Dinners in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In the late 1990s she volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce Office. Irene loved animals and was a member of the Protectors of Animals.

In addition, she was always concerned about traffic safety and attended many of the Traffic Commission meetings to make recommendations. Irene enjoyed going to Dodger games and many community gatherings including the Monterey Park Lions' annual June breakfast in Barnes Park.

Irene had a dry sense of humor. Always thoughtful of others she started the tradition of giving out U.S. History and Government books from the Friends Bookstore at Monterey Park's Annual Fourth of July celebrations.

She also personally delivered paperback books to the Jerry M. Pettis VA Medical Center in Riverside for many years.

Irene is survived by one daughter, Karen, who lives in Maryland.

(Editor's Note: This article was prepared and submitted by several friends.)