Irene G. Erie, 86, peacefully passed away on Aug. 14, 2012. The youngest of 13, she was born in Stockett, Mont., on Nov. 2, 1925 to Charles and Suzanne Konecny. At the age of 3 1/2, Irene lost her father to a work accident, leaving her mom to raise the large family. Suzanne was a believer in education and with the help of the Catholic Church, all 13 children graduated from college.
When Irene entered her teens, her mom became severely ill so Irene chose to live with attorney Jack Stevenson and family, who became a second family to her. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School, then attended the College of Great Falls, Mont., graduating magna cum laude in three years in 1947. She began her career as an English teacher in Moore, Mont., then moved to Lincoln High School in Eureka, Mont., where she met Norman A. Erie.
Irene and Norm married in Great Falls, Mont., on June 30, 1951, the beginning of a wonderful marriage which lasted 61 years. Irene worked to support the family while Norm finished college in Great Falls, where son Michael was born. When Norm was accepted to medical school at the University of Washington, the family moved to Seattle where son Leigh was born. Irene found work at King County Hospital as a social worker -— an experience that greatly influenced her philosophy. Norm enlisted in the U.S. Navy and following medical school, the family followed Norm first to Great Lakes, Ill., then to Pensacola, Fla., and finally in 1960, to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station where son Pete was born. Irene loved gardening and vowed to have a rose garden at every place they called home.
The family moved to Richland, Wash., where Norm founded the first family medicine practice. Irene ran the business side of the practice, allowing Norm to focus on practicing medicine, a partnership they maintained for 28 years. She and Norm started each morning sharing a cup of coffee and discussing their day. They were members of Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland during that time where Irene taught CCD classes. In 1964, daughter Rebecca was born.
In 1991, after selling the medical practice, they moved to Oak Harbor with daughter Rebecca and grandchildren Patrick and Katie, who they raised to adulthood. Irene had high standards and expectations of herself and her family. She saw potential in others when they did not see it themselves and believed every problem had a solution. Like her mother, education was very important to Irene. She and Norm ensured all their children and grandchildren had the means and opportunity to graduate from college, and were proud when all the children and grandchildren had done so.
Irene is survived by her husband Norm and by four children: Dr. Michael Erie and wife Amy of Mount Vernon, Wash.; Leigh Erie, JD and wife Janice of Auburn, Wash.; Peter Erie of Issaquah and Grand Coulee; and Rebecca Riley of Bellingham. Her grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emily, Jenny, Adam, Rachel, Michael. Patrick and Katie, also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her twelve siblings.
Funeral Mass for Irene will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Rev. Philip Raether as Celebrant. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Visitation will be held at Wallin Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a sharing time at 7 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences and sign the on-line guest book atwww.wallinfuneralhome.com.
