Irene R. Schellhase

November 4, 1926 – February 14, 2017

Irene Schellhase passed away peacefully on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2017, at the age of 90 surrounded by her family and much love. She was widely admired as an amazing and loving woman who touched so many lives in such a positive way, and inspired multitudes by living her life to the fullest.

Irene was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, November 4, 1926, to Harriet Yost Robinson and Melvin James Robinson. The family moved to Coral Gables, Florida, in 1944, where her father became a developer in Cutler Ridge and Coral Gables. They owned a large stable of successful thoroughbred race horses active at tracks across Florida including Tropical Park and Calder Race Track.

After graduating from Ponce de Leon High School, Irene went on to the University of Miami where she met Major Bill Hays of Miami. The couple married in 1950 and after a brief stint in Washington DC where Major Hays was assigned as a pilot for the CIA during the Korean War, they eventually settled in Boynton Beach to start a family and real estate development company.

Hays Robinson Construction Company was an early builder in Boynton, Delray and Boca Raton, responsible for many landmarks including the first fire stations in Boca Raton, the Chamber of Commerce, Addison Mizner Elementary School, the Library at Highland Beach and many housing communities.

After moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Irene became the dedicated assistant to the dean of students at Pine Crest Preparatory School from 1967 – 1974. She considered all the students her “jewels”. Irene also lived in Pompano Beach, Melbourne and Boca Raton where she made an incredible impact in her communities during her many years of residence.

Irene was active in social and civic activities in every city she resided in; PTA president, 1962 Palm Beach County Woman of the Year, a member of the Ft. Lauderdale Board of Realtors, and earned placement on several Who’s Who in America lists. She was owner of Ocean Boulevard Realty in Pompano Beach where she loved selling and teaching others about Florida real estate.

Irene is survived by her three children Melanie Leonard (William) of Gainesville, Florida, William Quay Hays (Sharon) of Los Angeles and Brian David Hays (Michelle) of Lighthouse Point, her many beloved grandchildren, her sister Donna Mae Barnett (Elkin), brother Richard Robinson (Rita) and extended family. She is preceded in death by Bill Hays, Vernon R. Schellhase, Lt. Colonel Paul Schellhase.

Senator Maria Sachs bestowed a certificate of recognition from the Florida State Senate on the occasion of Irene’s 90th Birthday. According to Senator Sachs, “Irene Schellhase was an amazing role model and mentor to many women in Florida, and we have a lot to live up to.” At the same celebration, the Honorable John B. Emerson, US Ambassador to Germany, sent birthday wishes to the half-German Irene “on behalf of all the people in Germany.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, or the Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134 or (877) 228-7321 – or donate online at https://30699.thankyou4caring.org/Alpha-1Giving.

A celebration of Irene’s life is planned for Saturday, March 11 at 11:00 am at St. Andrews South, 6045 Verde Trail South in Boca Raton.