Irene D. McGuire passed away on November 20, 2011 at the
Gene & Irene Wockner Hospice from complications of pneumonia. She was preceded in death exactly 11 years earlier by her husband, Gene. She is survived by son Tim McGuire (Deb) and daughters Sherri Bogle (Lee) and Laurie Leahy (Terry) and grandchildren Cory Bogle (Nora), Collin Bogle, Travis McGuire, Meghan McGuire, Jack McGuire, Connor Leahy, Kelly Leahy and five great grandchildren, her brother John Schneider and sister Gertrude Goodell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born Irene Schneider in Zap, North Dakota on October 8, 1927, Irene was the youngest of 10 children. The family eventually settled in Grays Harbor. She graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1945. She remained close to several friends she made while attending nursing school.
Gene and Irene moved from Shelton, Washington to Seattle in 1958. Over the years, Irene worked as a court clerk, an escrow officer and as a medical office manager. They enjoyed many trips together for golf tournaments as well as family vacations to Oregon, Montana, California, and Washington DC. Many family memories were made at Summit Lake where Schneider family members gathered often.
Her family was her number one priority. She was always interested in what everyone was doing. She rarely missed any events of her children’s, grandchildren’s or great-grandchildren’s. Whether it was a recital, school program, athletic event, graduation, wedding or holiday get-together, she was always there. The grandchildren have many special memories of times spent together both as children and adults.
Irene was very independent, even until the end! Her upbeat, positive attitude was captured in her favorite saying, “Keep on keepin’ on”. She had a way of embracing others and making them feel as one of her own.
She was a huge presence in the lives of her family. Her greatest traits were her unselfishness and unconditional love for them. They will all miss her deeply.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 10051 NE 195th St, Bothell, WA 98011 on Wednesday, December 14 at 11:00, with a reception following. Private interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way, Washington.
Irene and her family were extremely grateful for the excellent care she received at Evergreen Hospital and the hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation, 425-899-1900, Evergreen Healthcare Foundation.