Irene Stearns

passed away on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Washington at the age of 88.She was born on March 23, 1926 in the Soviet Union where she spent her childhood and very early adulthood and which she remembered very fondly. As a young woman, she aspired and studied to be an opera singer and an architect. Then World War II erupted shattering those aspirations. In the turmoil of World War II and its aftermath, she and her parents emigrated to the United States where she married Richard Stearns. She and Richard lived for many years in San Pedro, California with their 2 daughters from where they enjoyed many wonderful summer vacations traveling to the Northwest.When the children were older, she went back to school and became a medical ward clerk at Kaiser Permanente where she worked until her retirement at age 75. After retirement, she moved to beautiful Manchester to be closer to her daughter, Maude and her 2 grandsons. She enjoyed walks and overnights with her grandchildren while they were growing up. 5 years ago, her daughter Mary also moved to the area and Irene was able to spend more time with her granddaughter.In later life, she took cruises several times with the family to Alaska.Irene is survived by her daughter Maude Stearns-Droker and her husband Michael Droker of Southworth, WA and their sons, Irene's grandsons, Sasha and Edwin. She is also survived by her daughter Mary Stearns of Bainbridge Island, WA and Mary's daughter, Irene's granddaughter, Natasha. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Richard Stearns.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the graveside service on Friday, October 17th at 11 AM at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ferndale, Washington. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family