Irene M. McDonald

Rest in Peace Irene.

Several years ago for Christmas, Irene gave me a gift of three porcelain angel ornaments. Those angels have always had a place of honor on my fireplace mantel. This year when I put them on display, they will hold even more meaning for me. It will be like Irene is looking down on me.

My grandmother Mary Ellen Blair Terrell, was Irene’s grandfather Tandy Blair’s sister. Mary Ellen loved to visit Tandy’s farm at Benewah Valley, Idaho bringing her grandchildren with her. There Tandy raised cabbage, carrots, potatoes, watermelons, onion, green and wax beans, with many other fruits and vegetables. Many times May was there visiting at the farm with her two daughters Irene and Cathy. Irene, being the eldest always had the responsibility of watching us younger children. ...

A special moment happened to me because of Irene. As an eleven year old, Irene told me she gave me a very special birthday gift that year. Her daughter Colleen was born on my birthday. Knowing that I had this special tie with Irene and Colleen was a gift that will always be cherished. Irene and my mother often shared letters about their birthday daughters. The two cousins shared their visions and dreams for their children including Irene's wish for her daughter to graduate from a...

I only knew Irene for about 4 years when I came to Spokane and transfered in to her Beta Sigma Phi Chapter, Laureate Gamma Beta. She was wonderful to talk to and she had a passion for the Spokane Chiefs our local hockey team. She was very generous and shared several tickets with me when she could not attend a game.
I am pleased to have been a sorority sister to Irene. She will be missed.

Rest in peace friend.

Where do I begin Irene? You had NO idea the impact you had on my life. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working with you at the jail. You helped a young mother who was working full time have better and brighter days. I can't thank you enough for the heart to heart talks we had that I believe most people didn't even know we shared. I will never forget those talks or what a great woman you were.

Growing up years we 8 first cousins had fun times at Grandma & Grandpa's in the Benewa especially holidays. Christmas was always at Aunt Thelma's and lots of fun. I am sure Irene enjoyed these times. The candle is in rememberance to Irene.