Irene Theresa Painter

October 15, 1924 - May 11, 2019

10-15-1924 to 05-11-2019 Irene Theresa Painter Irene Theresa Walsh Painter was born October 15, 1924 to Frank and Mary Anna Walsh in Los Banos, CA. She was the sixth of eleven children. She grew up and attended schools in Los Banos. Irene met Robert L. Painter in 1944 at a Valentines dance at Moffitt Field located near Los Banos. Robert was stationed there as a pilot trainee in the Army Air Corps. They married on October 3, 1944 and moved to Austin, Texas. Irene moved back to Los Banos when Robert was deployed to active duty in the Pacific Theater, World War II. At the end of the war Robert and Irene settled in Los Banos before moving to McAlester, OK and then to Macksville, KS. In 1965 they moved to St. Helens, OR, Irene is survived by three children: Barbara Painter Wondra, Robert G. Painter (Joyce), Terry Harman (Tim), daughter-in-law Vella Painter, twelve grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Kathy Painter, Betty Larrouy, and Florence Dryden. She was preceded in death by husband, Robert L. Painter; her parents Frank and Mary Anna Walsh; stepson Donald J. Painter; sister, Verna Painter; and brothers, Freddy, Elmer, Carl, Gilbert, Frank and Stanley. Irene was an active member at St. Fredric’s Catholic Church in St. Helens, OR. She served in many capacities including, President of the Women’s Society, ministries to the sick and as coordinator for funeral luncheons. Irene was creative, participating in art classes and enjoyed painting landscapes and seascapes of the Oregon coast. She enjoyed traveling whether to California to visit family or exploring Oregon and Washington on church bus trips, but her favorite trips were going to Hawaii with family and friends. Services are planned for Friday, May 24th at St. Frederic’s Catholic Church in St. Helens, OR. The rosary will begin at 10:30AM followed by the funeral mass. A luncheon will be served following mass. Irene will be interred at Williamette National Cemetery with her beloved husband, Robert. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Community Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com