Irene Neasham

1938 - 2022

Irene Neasham
April 1, 1938 - February 25, 2022
Kennewick, Washington - Cecile Irene (Hardy) Neasham passed away in her sleep on February 25, 2022. She was born April 1, 1938, in Brainerd, MN. She was the 4th of 7 children born to James L. and Lucile (Caughey) Hardy. She attended District 18 School through 8th grade. Irene was an after-school nanny in exchange for room and board to attend high school in town. She was a waitress at George's Barbecue Restaurant where she met Clifford Peck, a cook. Cliff and Irene were married September 23, 1955, and had 5 children—Clifford Jr, Marty, Margo, Amy and Anita.
In 1958 Cliff and Irene moved to California. During their years in California, they opened their home to 30 foster children.
In 1972 Cliff and Irene moved their family to Richland, WA. They owned and operated a dental laboratory for many years. They later opened the Ice Creamery, a family restaurant, in Benton City, where her grandchildren enjoyed her "rubber potato soup" (clam chowder). Cliff and Irene were known for their sense of humor; If you woke up and found your house was polka dotted or had a beautifully decorated birthday cake made of foam rubber, it was probably Cliff and Irene. Irene cared for Cliff until his death in 2000.
On March 30, 2002, Irene married Edwin Neasham. This extended Irene's family to include Ed's children—Eric, Angela, Kathleen and Timothy, and his grandchildren. Ed and Irene enjoyed traveling. Ed and Irene enjoyed each other's company until Ed's death in 2015.
Irene enjoyed sewing and quilting, reading, cooking and spending time with friends. Many of her jobs over the years included these hobbies.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Clifford Peck Sr. and Edwin Neasham, son Clifford Peck Jr, great granddaughter Brianna Glum. sisters Rosemary Bock, and Evelyn Kegley, and brother James Hardy Jr
Those who mourn her loss include son Marty Peck, daughters Margo Abbott, Amy Gentry and Anita Easton, granddaughters Heather Murison-Weber (Randy Gable), Gennifer Glum, Kristin Williams, Katrina (Travis) Fish and Michelle Louis, great grandchildren Sasha Weber, Vonte, Savannah, and Mariah Williams, Abi Donner, Tristan and Teagen Fish and Mason Pendell, brothers Floyd and Wallace Hardy and sister Susan Hardy, many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 1 PM at the Kennewick Nazarene Church, 2402 S. Union, Kennewick, WA.