Irene Fama

1929 - 2012

Irene Fama

May 15, 1929

July 7, 2012

Known as "Rena" or "Renie" to family and friends, Irene was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota along with six siblings (plus six half-siblings) in the Francel family.

After high school, Irene moved to the Bay Area and on New Year's Eve 1949 met Dale, her future husband (the photo here was taken in 1951). The two married in 1953, and began their family - they had four children - in San Francisco before moving to San Jose in 1960. The family came to Reno in 1974.

Irene had an extremely warm and loving personality that resulted in strong family relationships and friendships. She was a well-loved sister, wife, mom, aunt, and grandmother, and was considered a surrogate family member by many friends and their children. She would do just about anything to help just about anyone.

Irene was also very generous, and her giving was marked by great thoughtfulness. She had specific ideas about how to give joy or even wisdom to those she loved and knew. For example, being raised in the Great Depression when such things as new socks or an unopened bar of soap were considered luxuries, she gave her adult children Christmas stockings each year full of such items so as to underscore the importance of taking nothing for granted.

More generally, whether preparing a favorite meal for her husband or family - and she could shop and cook with the best - buying a gift, or simply making a phone call or saying hello, Irene would make each person, family or friend, feel special and loved.

Before starting a family, Irene worked several years for the phone company ("Ma Bell"). After moving to Reno she was employed for more than 15 years by the State of Nevada Industrial Insurance System, eventually becoming a team leader.

Her work for Nevada earned kudos from supervisors and the public she served. In one instance the general manager of a company, whose injured employee received timely medical treatment due to the efforts of Irene's team, wrote a letter to the Governor complimenting her ability to quickly solve complex problems.

Irene also had a sharp sense of humor, strong opinions she was happy to share, a great appreciation for style - her clothing and accessories were always well-considered and tasteful - and a joy for life. Creating large and delicious meals, including for big holiday gatherings, gave her great pleasure.

Wonderful Sicilian dishes such as braciole and crab cioppino were among her specialties. Irene also enjoyed a cocktail - an Old-Fashioned with Early Times whisky, please - or a glass of wine before or with dinner.

Irene is survived by Dale, her beloved husband of 59 years, children Steven (Mary), Robert, Lynne (Ted), and Glenn (Kim), grandchildren Jessica, Erin, Claire, Lucy, and Payne, five great-grandchildren, numerous other relatives including nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Services will be private and arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, her husband and family ask that you honor Irene's life and values by doing something for someone or those you love in such a way that the person or people will feel extra special and especially loved.