Irene Marie Harsila

Irene Marie (Pavola) Harsila passed gently in her sleep on Nov. 23, 2015 in Edmonds, WA. She was born September 28, 1924 in Chisholm, MN and grew up with her parents and her many brothers and sisters on the family farm. Irene came to Seattle in 1943, living with her sister, Ellen. She worked at various jobs through the war years, including working at Boeing on the 2,000 B-17 bomber. pAfter the war, Irene met her future husband, John Harsila. They were married in 1947 in Seattle. John and Irene raised three children there while John fished commercially for salmon and worked out of the boilermakers union. Irene was the heart of their home for almost 60 years. pIrene was a voracious reader, lifelong learner, and an avid newshound who was not afraid to let her opinion be known. Though touching many lives over the years, Irene always felt that she was the one who learned something new from each and every one. pIrene spent their retirement years RV-ing, gardening, reading and especially enjoying their family and many longtime friends. pIrene is survived by her son, David (Janis), daughter, Diane (Gregg), daughter-in-law, Mary, grandchildren, Scott (Brittany), Kristine (Rabie), Katie, Jack, and Gina (Matt); five greatgrandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Irene was preceded in death by her husband, John, son, Michael, and her brothers and sisters. p