Irene L Tangen

Irene Tangen was born on Dec. 29, 1923 to Finnish immigrant parents Charles and Amanda Jarvie in Meadowbrook, Oregon, one of eleven children. She graduated from Cle Elum High School in Washington with her twin brother Elmer in 1942. Irene and Lloyd Tangen met in Bremerton during WWII and they married in 1943.

They remained together for 66 years until his passing in 2009. After the war they resided in SE Portland, and then spent the last 38 years in Brush Prairie, WA. Together they enjoyed time with their family and travels across the country. Their favorite destinations were to visit Lloyd’s family in Minnesota and yearly week long vacations in Reno. Irene was a homemaker and she loved baking and making jam. She always had pastry and coffee ready for visitors. She was known for her fashion style; she liked pretty clothes, sparkly jewelry and high heels.

She passed away peacefully on May 6, 2013 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family. Irene is survived by sons, Lloyd (Sharon) Tangen Jr., Spokane WA, and Al (Dawna) Tangen, Battleground WA, her daughter, Amy Reiter, Portland OR, 5 grandchildren, Karlin, Kristen, Joel, Brandon and Laurie, 1 great granddaughter, Kayla, and one great great granddaughter, Madison. She is also survived by her younger Sister, Elma Tilden and sister-in-law Beatrice Jarvie, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thank you goes to Legacy Hospice for excellent care.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on Mon. May 13, 2013 at 11am at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home; 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR 97086.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the American Heart Association Portland Oregon Heart Walk, participant Amy Reiter.

Remember me in quiet days,

while raindrops

whisper on your pane.

Remember in your memories

have no grief,

let the joy we knew remain.

Remember me if once you wake,

to catch a glimpse of red sunrise.

Remember when your thoughts

do turn to me,

know that I would not have you cry,

but live for me, and laugh for me.

When you are happy so am I.

Remember an old joke we shared.

Remember me when

spring walks by.

Think once of me when you are glad

And while you live, I shall not die!