Irene Elizabeth Karg

Irene at the age of 18 (1934AD) – 2 years before she and Willard married

Irene Elizabeth Karg born in Laramie, Wyoming Saturday 26 August 1916AD the first child and only daughter of Hubert and Merle Weibel.  She reposed in the Lord Saturday morning 28 July 2012AD in Kirkland, WA.

As a girl growing up in Wyoming she was active in Camp Fire Girls and formed a Methodist young persons program.  She finished high school early and went to train as a school teacher.  She met Willard Perry Karg of Rock Springs Wyoming in her last year of teacher training.  They married Sunday 06 September 1936AD.  They moved to Seattle, WA in 1938AD.  There they started two businesses — a photography studio and an ice cream store.  Both businesses did not work out.  Willard joined Boeing in 1940AD where he worked until his death in December 1972AD.

Irene and Willard’s 25th anniversary (1961AD)

During the war Irene, like many women, worked for Boeing although she gave birth to her first child Willard Albert 14 November 1943AD.

After the war’s end she traveled much around the US due to her husband’s Boeing work with the military.

In 1949AD her second child Gregory Russell was born on 24 June.

In 1952AD Irene with $100.00 dollars drove about Bellevue to find and eventually purchased a house. Here she made a home for the Karg family. Indeed the house remained home where all were welcomed until her death — home.

Irene’s interests were many:   PTA, Methodist Circle, Women’s Service Group, Goodwill working with persons with learning difficulties, Republican precinct chair, Grey Lady.  She was an artist who worked in mosaic tile, jewelry, and copper — a doll restorer and maker — dress maker and tailor.  She hiked and hunted in her younger days.  Excursions in the woods and mountains of Washington were a joy as she helped us see and experience Creation’s beauty.  She read voraciously — history, art, politics, exploration, spirituality, and a special fondness for Jane Austen.

Irene & her oldest son at the All-Merciful Saviour Monastery on Vashon Island, WA (2009AD)

Ever ready to help anyone with cheer and positiveness, she always aimed to ensure family, friends and acquaintances had a place to relax and trust in her gracious goodwill and sound council.  Always ready to provide a smile with a cheery funny story or wry comment.  And in the last years demonstrated an  indomitable spirit and patience.

At 81 Irene entered the Russian Orthodox Church.  She quietly gave support to various parishes and monasteries, underpinning all her simple and vital trust in God.

Irene is survived by her son Willard Albert Alexander Karg and his wife Mitzi and their two sons–

Gordon Moses Perry and his wife Dawn Hepburn; and

Christopher Allen and his wife Carissa and son Indiana

Gregory Russell her youngest son.

And her sister-in-law Wilma, nieces and nephews especially Nancy, Kathy, Paul, Terri, Katie, Patrick, Janet,  Torrey, Julia, Clay, Joanna, Karlena, her Granny Irene, grand children, and many friends — a lady who touched all with a gentle sweet and her courage.

May God grant her the forgiveness of sins and a place where the righteous repose.

Handmaiden of God Irene  —  Memory Eternal.

Memorial donations to:

Holy Protection of the Theotokos Orthodox Cemetery Fund
564 NE Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98115

or

Holy Resurrection Church (earmarked for Holy Trinity, Wilkeson)
P O Box 1332, Puyallup WA 98371

or

Schedule of services for the Handmaiden of God,  Irene Elizabeth

Pannikhyda on Wednesday 01 August  6:30PM  at Holy Protection of the Theotokos Orthodox Church,

564 NE Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98115

Funeral Service Thursday 02 August 10:00AM at Holy Protection of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, Seattle, WA

After gather for light refreshment and visit — leave for Wilkeson about NOON which gives 90 minutes travel time for what should be about an hour trip.
Interment Thursday 02 August 1:30PM  Wilkeson Town Cemetery
27883 Johns Rd E  Buckley, WA 98321

A gathering of friends and family following interment at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church

8710 – 28th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98445