Irene Emma Crippan
Irene Crippan
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Irene Crippan (Wallingford), who passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on August 26, 2026, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s.
Irene was born on May 22, 1941, in New York, New York, to Don and Ione Wallingford (Curtin). Raised in Vancouver, Washington, she graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School.
Irene will be remembered for her infectious personality, big heart, and beautiful smile. She was a fantastic cook, an indelible host, and remarkably generous to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Among her favorite pastimes were spoiling her grandchildren, taking beach vacations with family and friends, attending the theater (especially musicals), and practicing her Catholic faith as an active choir member at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church.
Professionally, Irene was a dedicated and hard-working leader. While she held many roles throughout her life, her greatest career achievements came during her time as a Sales Representative and later as Vice President of Sales for Griffin Envelopes/Cenveo.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gerard (Jerry); sons Don Burke (Kirsten) and John Burke (Erin); grandchildren Anna, Owen (Cheyenne), Henry, Kate, and Lucas; great-grandchildren Leo and Landon; sister Judy Wilmurt (Eric); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pizza Bank (14401 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA). All are welcome to join in honoring and celebrating the life of a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
5 Responses to “Irene Emma Crippan”
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Know that we love you all and will be at PBank to celebrate the wonderful life well-led of our beautiful friend. Rene, we will miss you forever. ❤️ Jane and Rick
We love Rene for her selflessness ,grace toward others, and giving inspiring spirit ♥️! She loved her family and had them over at every opportunity! Her friends (like Dale&Pam were included if they were open🙏! She is a person who will be missed but not forgotten until we are in heaven with her🙏🎉 !
Hugs, P&D
To my dear Aunt Rene✨❤️
Until we meet again. 💝✨🙏🏻🥹
The imprint you have made on my soul and my heart, I will carry for the rest of my life. Though I didn’t get to spend as much time with you as I would’ve liked, the memories I do have, I will cherish forever. You always made me feel so loved, cherished and truly seen. That was you. You had a way of bringing a warmness with you, leaving people feeling more loved than they did before.
Thank you for showing me what that looks like. When you smiled your beautiful big smile , you brought a joy that’s hard to describe. It brought an ease that made others feel more comfortable. That was you. You brought the joy and the fun. You brought it out of me and everyone.
I admired you deeply and always will. I saw myself in you. I remember thinking I wanted be just like you one day when I’m older. But instead, I realized you taught me to be myself. To be free.
Because of you, I’ve always smiled a little bit brighter and laughed a little bit deeper. I learned to not hold that back and to let it shine because being yourself was what the world needed most because life is short and there’s no dress rehearsal and you might as well go enjoy every moment and every laugh & every tear and feel ALL OF IT. Thank you so much for that. 🥲🥰😭❤️
So I’ll celebrate you when I laugh so hard that I cry and when I smile at a stranger or someone I love , I’ll smile extra big and think of you. You were so good at that. Sharing your joy and your sparkle and your zest for life to the people around you. Making them feel more loved than they did before you walked in the room.
It’s hard to believe that it’s true, but I’ll see you on the other side one day with the rest of our awesome family there and I’ll be missing you dearly in the mean time and I’ll be loving you Forever & Beyond. ✨🕊️
Rest in Peace
& Be free Aunt Rene🙏🏻🕊️💕🪽
Your niece, Holly
I have been so fortunate to have know Rene. Growing up with Don, Rene was like a second Mom and one that I will always be thankful for. She lived and loved, and shared a beautiful lige that touched us all. Her smile and love were contagious and my heart is broken that she is no longer with us. However having known her is a richness in my life that will live in. Rest in peace!! I Iove you!!
I was my brother’s best man at his wedding to Rene. I remember how blessed and happy I was for my older brother to have found his angel. Rene was such a light of love to all she encountered in life. Her smile was infectious as well as her laugh. She put you at ease as she was such an amazing hostess as she and Jer had many holiday meals that brought family and friends together to celebrate the holidays.
She will be missed and I will always carry her in my heart as I know she will continue her love and happiness as we will join her in celebration.
Rest in peace and know you were love and will be missed especially my brother Jerry as Rene was his soulmate.