Irene Washburn

Irene E. Washburn CHESAPEAKE - Irene E. Washburn, 90, passed away Nov. 19, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 15, 1920, the daughter of the late Jacob and Irene Wheeler Schaaf. In her early years she lived in Bethpage, N.Y., with her parents and older brother George. As a young adult she worked in New York City at a paper company where she met her husband, Franklyn B. Washburn Jr. They married in December 1943, and moved to Oklahoma during World War II. After the war she returned to Bethpage until finally settling in Merrick, N.Y., where she lived with her husband and three children. She worked in many different capacities throughout her life retiring to Chesapeake in 1987. In her retirement she had many friends, enjoyed playing bridge, reading, doing crossword puzzles and traveling. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank and her daughter, Barbara Irene DiPaola. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy McCarthy and husband Tim; her son, Franklyn Washburn III and wife Karen; and her brother, George Schaaf. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Kaitlin and Kelsey McCarthy, Anthony and Nicole DiPaola. She will be remembered for her fierce independence, determination and strength, her gentle and caring nature, strong sense of friendship and wonderful sense of humor. A celebration of life service will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 233 Mann Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. The Rev. Marni Schneider will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Irene's name to St. Thomas Episcopal Church Organ Fund. Friends and relatives are invited to send condolences and to sign the online guest book at www. omanfh.com.