Irene Maud Walkingshaw

Irene Walkingshaw passed away on Monday, March 20th, 2017 holding the hands and surrounded by the love of her two daughters, Ali and Bev. Daughter of William and Irene (Howden) Mullholland, “Reenie” was born June 22, 1930 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Upon graduation from Downpatrick High School, she worked in the Post Office in her hometown of Killeyleagh. She met Jim Walkingshaw in Killeyleagh and they were married in May 1952 at the Second Presbyterian Church. They lived in Belfast where they owned a small grocery store. California was their dream and, after having two children, Janis and Alison, their dream became a reality. They moved to California in 1955 and had their third child, Beverly. They settled in Phoenix, Arizona in 1959. Her career included raising three daughters and 16 years working for Continental Insurance Company as an accounting clerk. She then retired to pursue adventures. Irene enjoyed many years of hiking with friends, logging many miles in the Grand Canyon as well as other beautiful areas in the Southwest. She loved to travel and was always welcome to return to Ireland to visit her many siblings. She traveled to other countries as well and had many stories to share. Irene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time in Washington with her daughter Jan, Flagstaff with Bev’s family and Minnesota with Ali’s. She was an avid reader and enjoyed learning the challenges of technology. Her many cherished friends and neighbors brought much joy in her life. She will be dearly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim and daughter, Jan, her brothers Dobbin and Robert and sisters Isabel, Jean and Peggy. She is survived by her daughters Alison (James), Beverly (Greg), a brother Norman and sisters Louie, Hilda, Elsie, Susie, Etta, Maureen and Helen and grandchildren Leslie (Dan), Bret, Meghan (Scott), Michael and Jesse (Romy). We are so grateful for your attendance and your many kind expressions of sympathy during this time of loss. Please join us for Reenie’s Celebration of Life Service and “Proper Tea” with shared memories in honor of our Mom following the service in LICL’s fellowship hall: 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 1, 2017 Life In Christ Lutheran Church LICL.ORG (directions can be found here) 14802 North 75th Avenue • Peoria, AZ 85381