Irene passed quietly and graciously, just as she lived her life, on September 9, 2011.

Irene was the only child of Norwegian immigrants, Cornelius and Idun, who met at the Norway Hall in Seattle. Irene was born October 20, 1926 and graduated from West Seattle High School. After graduation, Irene worked in Seattle for Frederick & Nelson and later on for an insurance company.

Irene’s friends arranged a blind date with a young man from Seattle who had just returned home from the Army Air Corp as a First Lieutenant and a navigator on the B-29s.

Roy Oppie and Irene were married on August 19, 1949. They were married for sixty years.

In addition to being a great cook, Irene created wonderful paintings, quilts, afghans, school clothes, ornaments, prom dresses, dolls and doll clothes.

Irene learned how to snow and water ski, play bridge, golf and ballroom dance.

Irene was a wonderful wife and mother. She had a great sense of humor and made her family’s world a happy place.

After Roy passed away on September 10, 2009, Irene moved from Olympia to Whidbey Island to be closer to her family.

Irene resided at Your Home on the Harbor, an adult family home, in Freeland. Our family would like to thank Sandy, Rod, Linda, Barbara and Ben for the exceptional loving care our Mother received while residing there.

Irene is survived by her daughter Jan and husband Jim Lautenbach of Langley, daughter Debra Oppie of Federal Way, and grandson Matt Lautenbach of Langley.