Irene Johnson
Irene Johnson, 87, of North Bend, WA, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2014.
She was born in Bellevue, WA, on March 9, 1927, to the late George and Olive Kardong. Irene inherited her love of music, and athletics from her father, singing in trios from the time she was in 6th grade, through her college years, and participating in many sports, being particularly fond of swimming and tennis, and later, water skiing.
Irene was a 1945 graduate of Overlake High School (later, Bellevue), and attended Washington State College (later, WSU) from 1945-1947, where she studied music. A year later, while working at a drugstore soda fountain, Irene met her first husband, the late James Farmer, a lithographer. In 1948 they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and in 1951, had a daughter, Christine Georgianne. They were eventually divorced, and, in 1961, Irene married her second husband, the late Jack Johnson, a pilot in the Air Force. Irene and Jack had two children, Adam Scott, and Tracie Jean. That marriage also ended in divorce, and Irene raised her three kids as a single mother, while working for many years at Newport Hills Drug, and Thompson’s Drugs in Bellevue. Irene was a loving and supportive friend to all that were blessed to know her, and will be missed greatly, and remembered fondly. Irene loved the saltwater from a very early age, and always felt rejuvenated by her treks to Ocean Shores. She loved music, and dancing, and was happiest when gathering with friends and family for celebrations, or just for fun.
Along with her mother and father, Irene was predeceased by her brothers, Ray and Ed Kardong, both of Bellevue. Irene is survived by her children, Christine Roller (Todd), Scott Johnson (Zelda), and Tracie Gingrich (Brad); grandchildren, Brandon Smith (Marie), Nathan Smith, Cody Slaughter, and Sam Gingrich; great-grandchildren, Adrian and Preston Smith.
The family would like to thank good friends for their love and support, and also, the staffs at Mt. Si. Transitional Health, in North Bend, and Swedish Hospital, in Issaquah, for their care and support. Irene requested that there be no funeral, or memorial service, and that, should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Providence Hospice of Seattle.
