Irene Marie Kelemen

Irene Marie Kelemen was born Irene Marie Fry to Dick and May Marie Fry on March 13, 1925. She went to rest on February 15, 2012.

Irene was born and raised in Seattle and worked for the telephone company until she met and married her husband, Richard Solvason on June 17, 1946. Together they had three children – William, Debra and Diane. In the summer of 1950, Irene and her family moved to Okanogan County. After managing an orchard for several years, the family moved to Oroville. In September of 1963, Irene’s husband Richard passed away. She married Julius (Joe) R. Kelemen, her best friend, on March 22, 1964. Together they built their dream home on Lake Osoyoos, where they made many memories.

Irene worked at several places including: The Green Agency, Oroville Plumbing and Hardware and Dr. Wiley’s, before she went to work for the Oroville Post Office where she retired after 25 years.

She was a member of the Ellivoro Rebekah Lodge. After “retirement,” Irene enjoyed being a part of the HOSTS program and being her grandchildren’s biggest fan. She was never at a loss for a piece of advice or a kind word to say. Irene and Joe enjoyed gardening, traveling and an afternoon on the deck with their favorite people. They never missed a concert, game, or special event of any of their grandchildren. After Joe’s passing in 2003, she enjoyed spending time with friends playing bridge, until her failing eye site made it difficult to play. Almost every Wednesday evening, Irene enjoyed the company of a few of her most favorite girls and her grandsons. Fridays were always Irene’s pampering day, but any day of the week was ideal for someone to stop by for a chat. She loved to sit on the deck and visit while watching everyone enjoying the lake. Irene dearly enjoyed her visits with her family and friends. Irene was her daughter Diane’s champion, her grandchildren’s biggest supporter and leader and everyone’s advice giver. She will be dearly missed by all.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her brother; and her infant daughter Debra.

Irene is survived by her daughter Diane and her husband Tom; grandson Brian Acord, his wife Brigette, and their son Tucker; granddaughter Stacey Beardsley, her husband Adam, and their sons Tanner and Colton; grandson Tyler Acord; and son William Solvason and family of Oregon. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law Helen Shean and numerous nephews and nieces. Irene had more friends than we are able to name. A special thank you to those of you who were a huge part of Irene’s life! “You are the wind beneath my wings!”

Services will be held Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Bergh Funeral Home with the Rev. Marilyn Wilder officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Oroville Riverview Cemetery. There is a luncheon at the Oroville American Legion at 1 p.m., please join us there to share your fondest memories of Irene.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice in her honor.

Please share your memories of Irene by signing her online guestbook at www.berghfuneralservice.com

Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket in care of arrangements.