Irene Lucille George's Obituary
IRENE LUCILLE GEORGE
In loving memory of our Mother, Grandmother and Sister.
Irene was born on February 2, 1921 at home in Echo, Oregon to William H. Garner and Lorraine I. (Taffel) Garner. She was the first of six children; two sisters and three brothers. In 1925 her family moved to Hartsville, Missouri where she grew up on a farm. Her family returned to Oregon in 1936, settling in The Dalles. There she attended and graduated from high school. This is also where she later met and married Harold F. George on December 3, 1944. A short time after, Harold and Irene moved to Tacoma, Washington where they raised their family of eight; five girls and three boys.
She was a long time, active member of the Tacoma Bible Presbyterian Church and dearly loved her church family. Helping in the nursery was something she enjoyed because she never tired of holding babies, and she spoke often of her joy in getting to know the "young" people. She was a prayer warrior, and her last written list was "exercise, prayers for church, prayers for family, face, hair."
Irene (Mom) had an amazing memory. We relied on her for all our family history and enjoyed the stories she so readily shared. Even days before her passing she could tell you the correct birthdates of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as the birthdates of her friends, their children and their grandchildren when asked. She always remembered to send cards and words of encouragement for birthdays, special occasions, and to anyone who might be going through a difficult time.
She was also well known for her love of baking! Her pies were always requested for family reunions. Her children and grandchildren will always remember stirring, rolling, baking, frosting and decorating Halloween and Christmas cookies with her!
While Irene loved her family, she also loved the Seattle Sonics, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. Everyone knew these were not times to disturb her.
Irene loved her Lord and Savior most of all. She lived a long and joyful life and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Irene peacefully went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her family on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2015 in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 94. We would have loved to have more time with her but God's timing is perfect and we will see her again in Heaven.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Harold, sons Fred and Frank, and a sister Wilma Wilkes. She is survived by daughters Nina Henderson, Ruth Anderson, Jeanne (Terry) Qunell, Donna George and Eva (Clay) Pinson; daughter-in-law Hilda George; son Donald (Teresa) George; sister Ila Stewart; brothers Howard, Henry “Hank”, and William “Bill” Garner; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. We are filled with joy knowing she is with her husband and sons again. Irene will live on in our hearts, for where there is love life never ends.
At Mountain View Funeral Home:
First Visitation: Sunday, August 30, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Second Visitation: Monday, August 31, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Graveside Service: Monday, August 31, 2015, 12:30 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Park
Memorial Service: Monday, August 31, 2015, 2:30 p.m. at Tacoma Bible Presbyterian Church
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Western Reformed Seminary
http://www.wrs.edu
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the glory of the Lord.”
Matthew 25:21
What’s your fondest memory of Irene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Irene?
Share a story where Irene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Irene you’ll never forget.
How did Irene make you smile?
