Irene Louise Thomas, 69, passed away on Sept. 21, 2008 in her Coupeville home, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Port Angeles on Oct. 8, 1938 to Elmer and Zetha Giles.

At the age of 5, Irene was adopted by Edward and Elizabeth Drotning and raised in Blyn. As a youth, Irene was very involved in her school; she enjoyed ballet, 4-H, skiing, theater and debate club. She graduated from Bothell Senior High in 1956.

Irene held various jobs throughout her life, however she always preferred having her own businesses. She owned a ceramic shop, operated a flea market and auction, and a plant nursery.

In 1984, Irene moved to Whidbey Island where she lived until her death.

From 1985 to 2007 Irene attended the Coupeville farmers market where she sold bedding plants, jams, and potholders, and was best known for her home-baked bread and berry pies. She served as president and market master for over ten years. Irene was instrumental in expanding the Coupeville market and moving it from the original courthouse parking lot to a larger vacant lot next to the Coupeville Deli. She was also influential in starting the Very Berry Festival and continuing the harvest festival. Irene was also a member of the Oak Harbor farmers market for several years.

Irene was active in the Coupeville Arts and Crafts festival and Penn Cove Water Festival for many years; she was known for selling Irish knit sweaters and other various arts and crafts.

Irene enjoyed serving her community and helping local children. As market manager, Irene developed a Christmas giving-tree program and later started Island Gift Foundation and managed the local Toys for Tots program for several years. Irene loved reading and doing arts and crafts.

She is survived by seven children, Bruce Cleary Jr. and wife Shelly Spears of Freeland, Cynthia Mervyn and husband Daniel of Camano Island, Victoria Plantz of Coupeville, Paul Cleary of Coupeville, Belinda Eggland and husband James of Bayview, Elizabeth Cleary, Virgil Thomas and companion Amparo Wilson of Greenbank; 13 grandchildren, Bruce Cleary III and wife Barbara of Marysville, Bianca Koshak and husband Robert of Oceanside, Calif., Nina Cleary of Marysville, Venessa Matros and husband Michael of Greenbank, Crystal Mervyn of Bellingham, Kimberly Kuschnereit of Bayview, Danielle Kehoe and husband Edward of Beaverton, Ore., Jessica Fisher and husband Brandon of Oak Harbor, Jonathan Plantz of Coupeville, Christopher Eggland of Freeland, Janay Plantz of Coupeville, Damien Thomas of Greenbank, Megan Wilson of Greenbank, and Tia Mervyn of Camano Island; nine great-grandchildren; Destiny, Casey, Brianna, Alexander, Connor, Benjamin, Baylie, Carlie, Chloe; three sisters Jeannette Jergens, Alberta (Lucky) Marquette, and Frances McMackin; nephew Darrel Smiley; cousin Dennett Stotler and many others.

Irene was preceded in death by her adopted parents Edward and Elizabeth Drotning; birth parents Elmer and Zetha Giles; sister Lorene Smile; son in-law John Plantz; and the father of her children, Bruce Cleary Sr.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Coupeville Recreation Hall. Anyone who knew Irene and would like to help celebrate her life is welcome to attend. Cremation was held with private family memorial to follow at a later date.

The family would like to thank all of the staff and nurses of Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital for their help and support.