June 6, 1909 – September 29, 2014
Yes, you are looking at a picture of Ilene at 105! Beautiful, vivacious, energetic, artistic, faithful and generous are some of the adjectives that describe this four-foot, ten inch powerhouse. Her colorful life was fodder for storytelling, and people hung on her words when she talked about being a drummer in an all-girl band, going on her sister’s honeymoon, keeping her own marriage a secret so that she could keep her job during the Depression, being a touch-up artist in a photo studio, a crackerjack millinery salesperson, and a business owner, which are just a few of the many stories in her repertoire. But her favorite experience to recount was the day she accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior, which in a miraculous moment released her from addiction to alcohol, and restored dignity to her life, dignity that she lived out in her relationships, her motivations, her work, her artistic pursuits and her generosity to people in need, dignity that endured to the end of her days. Ilene is now reunited with her husband, Cliff, and son, Ron, who preceded her in death. Waiting to catch up with them are her son, George, married to Karen, her daughter, Gayolin Bailey, married to Bruce, Three granddaughters, Hilary Burnett, Camille Nasin and Sonya Grace, their spouses, plus great and great-great grandchildren.
Thanks to those who helped take care of Ilene: Dr. Ted Kapanjie, Steve, Kate, Rosie and the rest of the team from Providence Hospice of Seattle, Amina and Rahab from Family Resource Home Care, Lake City Fred Meyer Pharmacy, and family friends, Shelly and Nancy. Thanks also to John Kenner and Don Driftmeyer, two angels who hide their wings.