Irene Ely

Irene Ely

Irene was born to William and Irene Jenkins on November 3, 1922 in Olympia, Washington. She passed away at Roo-Lan Health Care Center after a 7 ½ year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Irene attended Lilliwaup Elementary School, but spent the last year of school in the Indian Hospital, with tuberculosis. Irene graduated from Olympia High School in 1941.
After graduating from high school, Irene went to work for the State of Washington where she was employed until her retirement in 1978. During 1941, Irene was introduced to the man who a year later would become her husband, Vincent Ely. They were married April 10, 1942.
Irene and Vince remained married for 69 years. They loved to travel together, visiting Japan, Korea and 40+ states in their travels. After retirement, they spent 6 weeks in Hawaii every year for 20 years.
Irene was a proud member of the Duwamish Indian Tribe, as well as a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Olympia First Christian Church.
Irene is survived by her husband, Vince; 4 children, Lorraine (Ian) Ely-Morrison, Nancy (Barry) Ulrich, Mike (Michele), and Pat (Katherine). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, who she loved very much, 8 great grandchildren, and a sister, Lillian (Edward) McCallum.
The service will be at Woodlawn Funeral Home on August 25th at 1:00 pm.
Donations in can be given to Catholic Community Services or Children's Hospital.