Irene was born on Dec. 21, 1926 in Woodward, Okla. and passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2011.  She was 84 years old.  Irene’s hobbies included genealogy, knitting, sewing for children and backpacking in the high sierra mountains.  She was a DAR member.  Irene traveled the world as the wife of a Navy veteran.  

She is survived by her loving children, Ray (Amanda) Wakefield of Menlo Park, Dianna (Bill) Geyer of Livermore, Donald Wakefield of Encinitas and Carol (Matt) Matteson of Chula Vista; sisters, Ella Vines of Oklahoma and Bonnie (Terry) McCarter of Sacramento;  brothers, Clarence Ryan of Las Vegas, Nev. and Robert (Louise) Ryan of Hemet; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd in 2008.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave., Livermore.  A private interment will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella.  Memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1060 La Avenida St., Mt. View, CA 94043.