Irene Edwards

Irene (Irena) K. Edwards of Port Orchard, Wa, passed away on June 9, 2008 from an extended illness. Irene was born on August 31, 1925, in Minneapolis, MN to Peter and Susan Korney.She lived in Minneapolis and graduated from Edison High School in 1943. During her high school years she worked various jobs in the community. After graduating, and over the years, she worked for a variety of private, government and educational agencies (i.e., US Treasury, Deptartment of Commerce, Veterans Administration, FDA, and the Pentagon Pictoral Service) as a researcher, editors assistant and in various clerical positions. During this time she had several articles published in the Minneapolis Star newspaper. She joined the WACS in 1955 and received an honorable discharge. Throughout her diverse career, she attended Washington D.C.'s Columbia School of Arts, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota School of Business attending classes in subjects ranging from personal to professional.She married Harold (Hal) Edwards on September 6, 1960 and they made their first home in Minneapolis, MN.Irene and her family moved to Kitsap County in 1977 where she continued her work in the secretarial field and raising two children.She was a member of the Port Orchard Eagles Aerie #2338 and REAC. She enjoyed reading and watching mysteries, playing golf, feeding and watching birds, painting with oils, attending cultural events, and she had a special affection for ballet, opera and Shakespeare. Irene was always striving to learn new and exciting things. She loved her animals, and enjoyed spending time with and being devoted to family and friends. She had a delightful sense of humor, was quick with a smile and generous to all.Irene is survived by her daughter, Pamela Edwards of Port Orchard; son, Brett Edwards of Port Orchard: sister, Marie Burkheimer of Bainbridge Island; two grandsons, Paul and Colin Edwards of Bremerton, as well as numerous other family members and friends in Washington and Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hal and her brother-in-law, James Burkheimer.She was a generous, kind and loving soul who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a viewing at 10:00 and then a funeral service on Thursday June 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church, 20714 State Highway 305 NE, Poulsbo, Washington 98370. Interment will take place at Port Madison Cemetery on Bainbridge Island, WA. Following the interment, there will be a reception/luncheon. Location and driving directons will be available at the funeral.