Irene was born on October 23, 1921 in Calgary, Alberta to Norwegian parents Helga Sophia and Magne Schillios, a Lutheran Pastor. She passed away on December 2, 2017 at the age of 96 in the home that she and Bob Childe built together 72 years ago. Irene was one of eight children. At nine months old, she moved to Anacortes, WA with her grandmother and later the rest of her siblings and parents joined. She went through school with her brother, Rolv, although he was a year older than her. They enjoyed being together and when he left for school, Irene was so upset, they allowed her enroll in school at noon that same day. The two continued through high school (Anacortes High School) and college (Pacific Lutheran University) together, even taking turns working to pay for college while the other attended classes. She met her husband, Bob, and Irene explained it as "a romance that developed over the fence" because their sister and mothers lived next door to each other. They were engaged on April 24, 1943 and Bob left for the service two days later. The two married in San Antonio, Texas on September 9, 1943. Their first child, Roberta, was born in November of 1944, Mike in August of 1946, Connie in January of 1949, and Cheryl in November of 1958. Irene and Bob were blessed with ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. The Childe family has many special memories of fishing, camping, boating, gardening, and laughing together. Irene's laughter, big smile, warm heart, generosity, faith, kindness, and strength will be remembered and cherished forever.
Lyla, who celebrated her 100th birthday in January, is Irene's only remaining sibling. Irene is preceded in death by Bob Childe (husband), Roberta (daughter), Mike (son), John (son-in-law), and six siblings: Dorothy, Nora, Sylvia, Rolv, Harold, and Leif.
Please direct remembrances to Luther Memorial Church where Bob and Irene were members for over 60 years.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18