Irene Marks

Irene Marks, 93, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018. She was born and raised in Cross Roads, Pennsylvania and was one of eleven children. Irene moved to Pasadena, California in 1941 to be with her sister, whose husband was away in the military. Irene supported the war efforts by working in a bomb manufacturing facility, where she worked for several years. She then moved to Kingman, AZ, where she started work as a base housing secretary. Later, she moved to Phoenix where she worked several jobs in the merchandising industry. In July 1951, she joined AiResearch Manufacturing Co. of Arizona, which subsequently became Garrett Corp AKA Allied Signal. Irene retired from Allied Signal in May 1987, after 36 years as an executive secretary. After retirement, Irene returned to school at Yavapai Community College, where she took classes in Architecture, Interior Decorating, Painting and Physical Education, which were her passions. Irene also attended Citizens Academy at the Arizona Department of Public Safety to support the Highway Patrol efforts. Irene enjoyed painting, gardening and was an excellent cook and hostess. Irene was a true animal lover. You would ofte...[more]

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ee her at dog shows where she showed 3 of her poodles. Irene was an excellent golfer, accumulating many trophies and golf awards and was a student of professional golf coach, Joanne Winter. Irene enjoyed her Arizona sports teams to include the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks and ASU football. She was an avid supporter of the Phoenix Symphony, Phoenix Little Theater and the Herberger Theater. Irene was a founding member of the Shadow Rock Congregational Church, led by Reverend William O. Smith and the Temple B'rith Shalom in Prescott. Irene also loved traveling with Allan to places like New Zealand, Monaco, Hong Kong, Wales, France, Thailand, England, Taiwan, Mexico and Canada. Irene is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years Allan Marks; her one surviving sibling Marcia Chappel; her 6 children David, Dorrie, Michael, Carol, Lisa and Jim; and 7 grandchildren Ella, Evan, Eliza, Sara, Morgan, Noah & Alec; along with her numerous nieces and nephews. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Michael Drury, Madeline Mendoza and all the other caregivers who provided support and comfort to Irene over the years. A celebration of her life will be held from noon-3:00pm at the Marks residence on Sunday December 9, 2018.