Married John L. Caruthers Jr. (deceased) September 24, 1949
Irene grew up in the Great Depression in a neighborhood surrounded by wealth where she and her sister were the daughters of an English gardener and a Swedish maid. This affected her whole life as it did many others who lived through this era. She was a saver. She worked hard to get the finer things in life.
After graduating from Lake Forest High School she went to modeling school where she learned the art of hair and makeup. She was never without her lipstick, or trying to always appear her best in tailored clothes and a professional look.
She fell in love with Colorado on a vacation with her sister and best friend in 1948 and moved there permanently. There she met the love of her life, John Caruthers in 1949 on a skiing trip, and they were married later that year. They were married nearly 51 years before his death.
She was determined to own a house, something her parents were never able to do. It was a 900-square-foot “starter” home in 1950. The Korean War interrupted their life for a year while John was in the Navy. After 3 children following the war, the small 2 bedroom home was too small, and they bought their final home in “Dream House Acres” Littleton (now Centennial) in 1959. She worked part-time as a secretary for many years in order to pay off the house and save for retirement. She lived in that house for 65 years and almost got her wish to die there. A fall at nearly 98 years old put her in a nursing home where she ultimately passed.
In 1957 they built a cabin in the mountains near the trailhead of Grays and Torreys peaks where they spent nearly every weekend in the summer months, and later occasionally in the winter months by snowmobile. She loved hiking, the mountains, and especially the fall colors.
She is survived by her children Letra (Joe Bienemann), Greg (Allen Metzgar), Pam (Rick Faler), 4 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
Cut flowers always reminded her of the poverty of her growing up years, so please don't send them. A contribution to Parkinson's Disease or other charity would be most appreciated.
A graveside service for Irene will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121.
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