Irene Harmston's remains were carried to Hartley Cemetery in a horse-drawn hearse, recently purchased by Chapel of the Lakes. Mrs. Harmston's funeral was the first use of the hearse. Photo courtesy of Woody Hughes.

Irene passed away peacefully at her home, April 3, 2008, at the age of 74, surrounded by loved ones, after a short battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 9, 1933 in Olympia, Wash., to Joseph and Cora Lawant.

At the age of 12, Irene and her family moved to Palo Alto. She was the youngest of four children. Irene graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1952. Irene married in 1953, and after having three children, moved to Lake County in March 1964. Here she made her home for the past 44 years. She went to work for Bank of America, and after her retirement, worked for a short time at Bank of Lake County.

Irene met and married Norman Harmston after a brief courtship. She volunteered her time to the Lakeport Senior Center and was a current volunteer with the Gleaners. Each year at voting time you would find her sitting on an election board. Irene stayed involved with her church and the VFW.

Irene loved being around people. She looked forward to trips to her sister Pat's. She helped her children with parties and get-togethers. She loved spending time with all of her children and grandchildren. Irene and Norm loved to entertain and play cards with their friends and she was known to occasionally be seen at the casino trying her arm out on the machines.

Irene will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Norman Harmston; sister, Patricia Jack; children, Chris (Patrick) Lynch, Vicky (Dave) Cooper, Carol Lima (Steve Winant), Lynn (Sheryl) Harmston and Clayton (Marlene) Harmston; grandchildren, Shannon, Keith, Becky, Dustin, Jon, Molly, Chelsie, Kevin, Zoe, William and Katie Lynn; two great-grandchildren, Larsen and Jacob; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Earl, sister Catherine, brother-in-law Dale Jack, and nephew Dana.

A celebration of life and memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the United Christian Parish, 745 N. Brush Street, Lakeport, officiated by Chaplain Woody Hughes and the Rev. Diana Green followed by a special memorial service by the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2015 at the VFW Post 2015 Plot at Hartley Cemetery.

Family prefers donations in Irene's memory to the American Cancer Society.

For further information contact Chapel of the Lakes at 263-0357 or 994-5611 or vist www.chapelofthelakes.com.

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